William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original “Star Trek” television series, recently reflected on the enduring legacy of the show as it marks its 60th anniversary. Shatner, now 95, spoke from his Studio City, Los Angeles office, expressing surprise at the sustained impact of a series that originally aired from 1966 to 1969 and was canceled after just three seasons due to low ratings.
When “Star Trek” first premiered on September 8, 1966, it aired on Friday nights at 10 p.m. on NBC and attracted a modest audience. Shatner recalled that at the time, it was difficult to imagine the show maintaining cultural relevance six decades later. Despite its initial struggle, the series gained a passionate following through syndicated reruns and developed into a significant franchise that includes movies, spinoffs, and a devoted fanbase known as Trekkies.
The 60th anniversary has been marked by various events, including movie screenings, televised specials, and a gathering at the London Science Museum aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the most people performing the Vulcan salute simultaneously. Shatner, who continues to participate in “Star Trek” related appearances, also shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the original series. He recalled filming the 1967 second-season episode “The Trouble With Tribbles,” where fast-reproducing Tribbles were literally tossed at him by crew members, causing moments of on-set laughter despite his role as the stoic captain.
Shatner addressed longstanding tensions with fellow cast members Walter Koenig and George Takei, who have publicly criticized him for alleged difficult behavior during the show’s production. He dismissed these claims, stating he never had direct conflicts with them but was frequently maligned. Shatner said he has chosen to move on from these disputes.
In addition to recounting interpersonal dynamics, Shatner also reflected on technical aspects of the original series, such as the famously unreliable sliding doors on the U.S.S. Enterprise set. These doors were operated by stagehands and often failed to open, leading Shatner to sometimes collide with them during filming. Despite these hiccups, he noted the comfort of having a captain’s chair on set, where he could remain seated during scenes, unlike other actors who had to physically react to battle sequences.
Shatner’s recollections highlight both the challenges and the lasting appeal of a show that many initially dismissed but which ultimately became a cornerstone of science fiction television. As “Star Trek” continues to celebrate its milestone, Shatner remains a prominent figure tied to its storied past and ongoing cultural significance.