As ‘Star Trek’ Turns 50, Captain Kirk Looks Back
William Shatner talks to AARP about his iconic role for Sept. 8 anniversary
AF archive/Alamy
William Shatner says the success he has enjoyed is due to Captain Kirk.
En español | Q: In your wildest dreams, did you think you’d still be talking about Star Trek 50 years later?
A: No. It wasn’t even a major success at first. I mean, “Star Trek” teetered on the brink for three years. Even while we were on the air, I was probably keeping my eyes open for other jobs.
Then it became so big. I was making a documentary on actors who’ve played the captain, and I needed an airplane. So I cold-called an executive at the Canadian airplane manufacturer Bombardier and said, “Can you lend me an airplane?” He said, “Yes! I became an aeronautical engineer because of you.” It’s phenomenal.
Q: Why do you think Star Trek was such a success?
A: I came to the conclusion that it’s mythological: People seek to explain the unknown through their imagination. What is happening on other planets? What are the floating lights in the sky? All these incredible, impossible things that we catch glimpses of in science but for which we have no explanation. Imaginative writers say, “Well here’s an explanation.”
Q: Were you as serious a guy as Captain Kirk was at that time in your life?
A: My recollection is that as a young actor I was always desperate. I had three kids and had to put a roof over their head.
Q: How do you feel about Captain Kirk now?
A: Whatever success I’ve had is because of him. I was a leading man, kissing the girls and fighting the villains. That’s not a bad bag to be in.