Star Trek fans be advised: Mr. Sulu has found a new frontier.

George Takei, the actor who portrayed Mr. Sulu in the original Star Trek series and subsequent films, is the spokesperson for Social Security. With the help of Patty Duke (donning pointed Vulcan ears), he’s encouraging Americans to “boldly go” to Social Security’s website and apply for retirement benefits, disability, Medicare, and more.

The two celebrities are the stars of a series of public service announcements which promote Social Security’s online services as easy and secure. As Duke says to Takei in one video, “It’s so easy, even Kirk could do it!”

“Social Security has a great website and the top-rated online services in the U.S.,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security in a press release. “We now have a fun new way to get the word out. Having George join forces with Patty will help us reach the millions of people who can take advantage of this convenient way of doing business with Social Security.”

Two million people took advantage of Social Security’s online benefit applications last year. In addition to applying for benefits online, people already receiving Social Security can go to the website if they have a change of address or phone number, start or change a direct deposit, get a proof of income letter, or need to replace a lost Medicare card.

You can view one of the videos, “Boldly Go,” below. To see the rest of the videos, visit Social Security’s online page.

Instant Insights /

Mr. Sulu says, &quot;Visit SocialSecurity.gov&quot;

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You

Mr. Sulu says, "Visit SocialSecurity.gov"