In 2021 at the age of 90, William Shatner became the oldest person ever to fly into space, which he did aboard a Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule. One could argue that this was life imitating art. After all, Shatner is best known for his portrayal of James Tiberius Kirk, captain of the Starship Enterprise, in the original television series Star Trek, as well as seven movies spun off from the series. He’s also a recording artist who has worked with pop and rock luminaries such as Ben Folds, Aimee Mann and Henry Rollins. He’s the author of two series of science fiction novels as well as several memoirs. His acting career includes film and stage roles as well as television roles that didn’t involve Klingons or Tribbles.
But it is his fiery, intense portrayal of the fiery, intense Captain Kirk that dominates his public persona. He may have not made it into space until recently, but he’s lived long, prospered and boldly gone his own way in a career stretching back more than 70 years.
How did you get started in the business?
Child labor
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Freon gas
Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pine or Chris Pratt?
Oh, for Chris sake!
What is your worst quality?
Not taking anything seriously.
What music is on your playlist?
Every single one of my records.
Read any good books lately?
Every single one of my books.
Cat person or dog person?
Secretly, every cat person is a dog person.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Stop fooling around.
What’s your “guilty pleasure” television show?
CNN
In the movie version of your life, who would play you?
You can’t cast the role.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature
What do you consider your greatest successes – personally and professionally?
Taking the time to answer these questions.
If you hadn’t chosen a career as an actor/comedian, what other career path do you think you’d have followed?
I would have been a newspaper reporter.
William Shatner – Live on Stage will be in Morsani Hall on Nov. 8.