William Shatner On Stark Trek: 50 Years On

By Sukh Singh, Associate Partner, Lighthouse International

What insights does someone who has reached the highest heights of their industry, and some of the lowest lows, have to share with us?

It is 50 years since the first episode of Star Trek aired. William Shatner may be famous for playing ‘Captain James T. Kirk’, but recently he shared some insights with Empire magazine about job security and making the most of the time we have now, because one day that time will be gone…

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William Shatner’s Job Security…

You would think that as one of the most famous, well-paid actors of his time, William Shatner’s life was taken care of, not a worry in the world. Yet, when asked how he reacted when Star Trek was cancelled and taken off air, he said:

“It was devastating. It was all very comfortable by that point. This place that I come to every morning, leave in the evening and a cheque comes every week. And now you’re taking it away from me? How is that possible? My five-year mission was to put my children through college!”

This is extremely relevant to our times today. How many people feel truly secure in the economic climate, and how do we get that security? A job, ultimately, is not a guarantee. What many legends learn to do over time is differentiate themselves, develop their skills, their talents and ultimately strive to improve their character. It is why so many actively choose to find a mentor to guide them and develop them so they become more valuable – an asset to any company or industry. It is also why they constantly work hard to maintain relationships and their network, so that they are never travelling the journey alone and never dependent on their current environment.

This is further reflected in Mr Shatner’s memories of the build up to the first Star Trek movie after having been taken off the air…

“It went through several manifestations. You’d hear a rumour it was going to be a film. No, it’s not going to be a film, it’s going to be a special. No, it’s going to be a series. You’re in it, you’re out of it. I do remember being out of town on something and [Gene] Roddenberry (the show’s creator) calling me and saying, “We’re going to do a movie and we’re going to kill Kirk!” And I said, “Why kill Kirk? Why don’t you kill Spock?” And he thought that was funny. Then, ultimately, we did.”

What William Shatner Values Most about Star Trek

William Shatner has travelled the world. He’s had a plethora of riches. Men have wanted to be him and women have wanted to be with him. 🙂 So what is his fondest memory?

“You know, I really cared a lot about the actors. Most of the actors. Leonard, DeForest and I were really pals. That camaraderie and just sitting on the set, smoking a cigarette, drinking a cup of coffee, and getting ready to do the scene. I had a grand time shooting it. I’ve learned in my latter life to live in the moment as much as possible. And I didn’t know that when I was a kid. To enjoy the journey. It’s a cliché, but it’s absolutely valid. You can’t do anything about the past. And you don’t know what the future is, so right now it’s just this interview. I’m enjoying the process.”

You can read the full interview on Empire here.

What’s your favourite Star Trek memory? Share in the comments below…

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