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Ask William Shatner Whatever You'd Like
He's Canadian, he's proven himself a successful comedic actor and writer, filmmaker, and musician, but (no matter what else he does) in many people's minds he will always be James Tiberius Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise. Now, William Shatner has agreed to answer your questions. We'll pass on to him a selection of the best reader questions; you might want to read up on Shatner's official home page (and the Wikipedia link above) to knock out some of the most obvious ones. We'll pass on to him a selection of the best questions. Note: it's tempting to pile them on, but please try to follow the interview question guidelines by posting one question per post — ask as many questions as you'd like, though. Shatner is on vacation right now, but will work on answering your questions when he gets back.
Hello Mr. Shatner. I was wondering, having lived under a rock for the past 10 years, I'm new to this whole internets thing. I'd like to go a vacation, but I'm not sure I can afford one. Is there any website out there that can let me name my price instead of them giving it to me?
In your early days, there were only a few major television networks, and it was much more difficult to move back and forth between television and movies. Today, with so many cable shows, the internet, and with actors moving much more freely between movies and television, do you think young actors have it easier? Or do you think that the proliferation of reality television and the "noise" of so many channels/series has actually made things harder for scripted actors?
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
How bad do the fans actually get? What's your most bizarre anecdote about annoying Trek fans?
Check out my sci-fi/humor trilogy at PatriotsBooks.
Mr. Shatner, time for the truth please.
Regarding your crazy hair from Star Trek:TMP onward: is that a rug, or is it hair plugs?
SRSLY, the internet wants to know.
For good or bad, your professional image is forever stamped by your brief portrayal of Kirk. If you could go back and remake your career into that of an actor who has a successful career in smaller, more varied roles, would you?
If Slashdot were chemistry it would look like this:Cadaverine
What single moment do you look back upon with the greatest pride/satisfaction? And which one do you wish never happened?
Have you ever been in bed with a woman and accidentally yelled Khaan?
How did you become interested in it, and what is your favorite track? [ I saw you do the "celebrity race" in Washington D.C. during the ALMS weekend a while ago. ]
Mr. Shatner: I recently watched my way through The Original Series and you were constantly pulling your uniform shirt down. I've also heard that the red uniforms from the movies were quite cumbersome to design and wear. Which was more uncomfortable to you, the uniforms from the original television episodes or the red command uniforms from the movies?
If you had a pony, what single trick would you teach it? Do you think said pony could make a living out of it for forty long years and how would you recommend they go about it?
Wearing pants should always be optional.
Outside of the Star Trek series, you've had a large number of regular, one-off and recurring roles. What would be your favourite role prior to the beginnings of Star Trek and after the original ST series run? If different, what was your favourite one-off?
In the late 80s/early 90s you penned the TekWar series of novels that spun off a few different franchises. Did you consider this a success and do you intend to do any more sci-fi writing in the future?
Mr. Shatner, how did you get to be The Man? I mean, let's face it, I can't speaker for the younger generations, but as a kid who grew up on Star Trek reruns in the 1970s, your portrayal of Kirk made you The Man. Heck, I watch you on Raw Nerve, and you're still The Man.
The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
In Star Trek: Generations, when you find yourself in the Time ribbon and are suspended for eternity in the reality of your choosing, were you able to meet Guinan whilst inside the ribbon? Did she have anything helpful to say?
Given your rather unique history in show business, and the myriad of projects that you've worked on (who can forget Incubus?), is there any project in your past where, even now, you look back even now and say, "What was I thinking?"
Thanks, Captain.
"Enough of this wretched, whining monkey life." -- Marcus Aurelius, _Meditations_, Book 9, 37
So what are the fans like at the T.J. Hooker conventions?
Mr. Shatner, as we all know, you've been typecast due to the campy acting on Star Trek, TOS. I've read that you trained a classical shakespearean actor, and having seen some of your earlier work (including the somewhat campy Twilight Zone episodes you starred in) it is obvious you are a competent actor. As a casual Trek fan I enjoy your work - even, as, campy as, you had to play, your role as, Kirk. ;)
My question is this: Was it a struggle for you to be typcast in that manner and being the brunt of jokes, and as result did you struggle then begrudgingly take on roles which parody the acting style on ST:TOS, or did you immediately see it as an opportunity to capitalize on - and expanding upon your answer, do you ever regret having done so, and if so in hindsight, what would you have done differently?
The Christian Right is Neither (Christian nor right). See: Matthew 23, Matthew 25, Ezekiel 16:48-50
It was a stuffed Tribble.
Q: How much of James T. Kirk's mentality do you share in the real world? Did playing the character change you as a person?
Is it difficult to be as consistently awesome as you are? Is it ever a burden?
Have you met him?
I really like your World Of Warcraft commercial. Do you actually play? Please share some details. How'bout other games, including Star Trek Online?
I want to know how and why did you allow Kirk, one of the greatest characters in all of fiction, to be killed off in the Star Trek: Generations movie.
..Which doesn't surprise me, given how crappy it was. Lame questions, terse answers.
Hopefully the editors have the sense to filter out the trite but highly rated questions, so big Bill doesn't get insta-bored.
Please people, ask something interesting.
A witty saying proves you are wittier than the next guy.
Mr Shatner, you have had some amazing successes. Few actors are able to have so many successful runs on tv series in North America. Your recent attempt, Shit my Dad Says, did not work out. How did you react to that cancellation? Were you able to put it in perspective given your other experiences and is that likely your final shot at TV?
Has Been was a very good album. For real. Check it out.
It seems like you two have been fighting for quite a while now and I was curious how it started, how long it has been going on, and, as a follow up, what did you think of his bit at your Comedy Central roast?
Bryan R.
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance, or $12.50 as seen on eBay.....
I mean, of course, a T.J. Hooker reunion show?
Hilary Rosen's speech was about her love of money and her desire to roll around naked in a pile of money.
Do you enjoy doing voice over work for animated series more than live acting or vise versa? If so then why is one better than the other?
If a deep, engaging, well written script were to fall in your lap, would you take a role in a Star Wars movie or TV show? Why or why not?
Personally, I think you would make a great Jedi.
on your horse farm... alright? How many saddle-bred horses do you have?
the preceding comment is my own and in no way reflects the opinion of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Mr. Shatner, In your biography you mentioned that after Star Trek ended, you struggled to find work as an actor, even living out of your vehicle to travel to find work. Do you feel that this experience was a setback or an asset to your career?
When you told Jon Stewart the pauses in your delivery were due to "...forgetting [your] lines", was this an actually true answer or was it a way to avoid the question; if avoidance, could you give the real answer now?
(back in 1995 or so you were still noted as an archer: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/olympics/longterm/archery/archfact.htm and had been for quite a while -- photo here: http://www.archeryhistory.com/archers/pics/shatner.jpg )
If so, how often, using what equipment? Still using a compound or have you gone back to using a recurve or longbow?
If you do still shoot, do you travel w/ your archery gear? Any issues in doing so? Or amusing anecdotes?
William
Sphinx of black quartz, judge my vow.
I thought that SNL covered it pretty well some years ago.
Nate
You seemed to have a great relationship with Mr. Spader - was that all fantastic acting, or did you become friends - as in you still see/speak with him even after the show ended?
excitingthingstodo.blogspot.com
I was thinking, you might have been on Boston Legal, your less famous character, for more hours than Star Trek.
Did you like that role more?
Did Denny Crane have some weird fetish for saying his name every time he could?
Why don't you guys have friends or journals?
How would you answer some terrible interview questions that we programmers are subjected on every interview: What is your biggest weakness? Where do you see yourself in five years? If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be? What would your past managers say about you?
I frequently see classically trained TV and film actors continue to perform on stage, even when they've "made it big" and no longer need to financially. For example, Patrick Stewart and David Tennant recently co-starred in a production of Hamlet. Have you considered going back to perform at Broadway, Stratford or the like?
Did you really just link SG on Slashdot ?
Not on SG Army, are you ?
morcego
If you were like George Lucas, what would you "improve" in the original series?
Just my thanks for countless hours of entertainment.
If I were God, wouldn't I protect my churches from acts of me?
Which is your favorite Star Trek enemy of Kirk?
Which is your favorite Star Wars movie?
What is your favorite music band?
Thanks for all the years and places we have never gone before...
He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
What are the biggest differences between William Shatner (the man) and William Shatner (the character)? Do you always do interviews as William Shatner (the character), or do we see some of the real man behind him?
If [insert whoever owns the rights to Star Trek] called you on the phone and said;
"We're starting a new Star Trek series, centred on the later years of Captain Kirk and we want you to resume the role"
Would you? I realise that this would contradict the story line of the movies... but nonetheless, would you jump at the role of playing the character again? If he offered plenty of passionate scenes with 7 of 9 would it change your mind?
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
No real questions Mr. Shatner, just thank you for helping Mr. Roddenberry and the other actors giving me a chance to day dream about going places where no one has gone before when I was a kid and even to this day sometimes when life gets dull.
~~ Behold the flying cow with a rail gun! ~~
Mr. Shatner, you (not the characters you play) give the impression of a Byronic figure, a man of insatiable appetites and open-minded sense of fun. I mean, very few people have both James Kirk and King Bacchus in their ouvre.
So I'm just curious. Have you been as sexually adventurous as your outgoing persona implies? Any bisexual curiousity or strange fetishes in your past? A 'yes' or a 'no' answer is fine, I won't press for details if you're uncomfortable telling them.
Genocide Man -- Life is funny. Death is funnier. Mass murder can be hilarious.
You were in "$%&! my dad says" (I probably misspelled that) and now it seems to have gone away. What do you feel caused it to fail, and why did you chose to do that?
Damn_registrars has no butt-hole. Damn_registrars has no use for a butt-hole.
Mr. Shatner,
What was your reaction when you saw Galaxy Quest for the first time?
"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
Growing up, Star Trek was one of the things that got me interested in engineering and the sciences. It made me want to see the future, or create it myself. What do you think should be done to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers?
Do you have any insights from your interviews with the other Captions from the documentary "The Captains" that didn't make the cut? Please share, if so. I found that documentary fascinating and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.
what was the creative process (ie. dialog, filming, set design, etc.) like at TOS? Did it follow specializations (regimented), or was it more of an open format, collaborative effort? Best TV show of all time. Thanks.
Bukowski said it. I believe it. That settles it.
Two questions:
1.: When you now look at the stars, sitting in your chair at home in a warm summer evenening, what do you dream about?
2.: If all of a sudden technology would advance and real spaceships with the ability of interstellar travel would be constructed and they offered you a real captains seat on a real spaceship, would you take it?
Yt,
Gunnar
I never got the communicator.
You tap on the badge and say "Engineering" - and someone in "Engineering" would hear you saying "Engineering"- the show never gave any indication that there was a delay- it's almost as if the communicator knew who you were going to call before you even called them.
How does it do this and when will Apple make a communicator like this?
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
That may be the case, but his upcoming release "Seeking Major Tom" is a special tongue-in-cheek kind of awful. I just previews all the songs on Amazon and couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to laugh or cry...
Taking guns away from the 99% gives the 1% 100% of the power.
I went to Siggraph last year and Mr. Shatner and Dick van Dyke were at the Newtek Booth introducing the new version of Lightwave. A few days later I called my mom, told her about seeing those two guys up close, yadda yadda yadda. I made a comment about how it'd be cool to have lunch with either one of those dudes, but I figured it'd be easier to strike up a converstaion with Dick van Dyke becuase we both use Lightwave.
And my mom goes: "Well, if you had lunch with Dick van Dyke, you could talk about Lightwave. If you had lunch with William Shatner, you could talk about William Shatner!"
"I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
What's the biggest flub or improv moment during the making of Star Trek that made it onto TV?
Let's say you were asked from input when the writers were delineating the character way back then. What would you suggest as his origin?
I once saw a XBL gamertag that was Shatnermouth. Is that you? If so, wanna play some Star Trek Legacy sometime?
Are you planning any more collaborations with Henry Rollins?
Put my fist through my alarm clock with its ding-dong death inside my ear. - The Blackjacks.
Apparently, you are one of the few celebrities who have refused to be a guest star on The Simpsons. Why?....
The similarities between the Original Star Trek, and the fictional TV show that was the basis for the spoof "Galaxy Quest" are well-known.
Star Trek has become more than a TV show, it's now a bona-fide cultural icon -- something that just doesn't make films of its own, but influences other films, as well as real-life science and technology.
What's your opinion of a role you created, being, not just picked up to continue by actors like Chris Pine, but lampooned by actors such as Tim Allen?
And on a larger scale, how that role has actually changed the course of history, as it clearly has influenced a large number of scientists and engineers to make Roddenberry's vision a reality?
If telephones are outlawed, then only outlaws will have telephones.
Why was Picard not given the rank of Commodore?
When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
You were on the first radio commercial I heard that was about a company who operated a web page on the internet. At the time, I don't think most people even knew what the internet was. Back then, did you think that this kind of advertising would ever amount to anything?
Eugh. "asked FOR input". Sorry.
Did George Takei ever hit on you? Why didn't you take him up on the offer?
What DOES God wants with a starship?
You worked on one of the few films performed entirely in Esperanto: "Incubus" in 1966. Are you still interested in constructed human languages?
You have had some stints into more "educational" shows, such as Rescue 911. Do you have any specific yet so far unrealized ambitions and topics for an educational TV series or a (documentary?) movie? Perhaps something in the vein of e.g. Mythbusters?
Of course he has.
http://interviews.slashdot.org/story/02/12/05/1444246/William-Shatner-Replies
See that article and the questions that led to it for a previous round of "Ask William Shatner".
In fact, check all of the previous Slashdot stories for some good questions. Perhaps it'd be of interest to know what happened to the 'Starfleet Academy' show he pitched. And maybe it'll prevent the "Star Trek vs Star Wars?" question which he already addressed a while back.
I am a 23 year old electrical engineer from Pittsburgh, PA. Your career is inspiring to many, including to me. While i am not an actor, i hope to be like you, successful. While i doubt it will garner fame such as yours, i hope to start an electric car company. The issue is funding, as with all things. Would you consider investing in an electric car company, with the intent to build $35,000(USD), 100 mile range electric cars, with nearly 10 years in battery life? Maybe with your help in the advertising department, we can be quite successful!
Mr Shatner -
Recently I saw you in the Raymond Kurzweil documentary (Transcendant Man) where you emphatically said that you do not want to die.
This year, you have exceeded the average life expectancy of a male for ANY country in the world. Iceland is highest at 80.2 years; you are now 80.5 years.
So my question(s): Are you still fighting the battle for physical/mental immortality? If so, how? If not, can you describe the process you have gone through to accept your mortality and ultimately death?
Thanks very much for your insights.
BTW I loved your work in Star Trek as a youngster, and your cover of Pulp's "Common People" just a few years back.
I think he went into the ribbon right? Not sure if they closed the plot hole and declared him dead. The possibility of him being alive in the ribbon still exists.
'tis but a scratch.
When I was a kid, your commercial for the Commodore VIC-20 convinced me that I had to have one (because Captain Kirk was advertising it!). I used it to learn some programming (both BASIC and assembler) and it was the early foundation for what I do today. The question: Did you actually use one of them day to day or was it just something they hired you to advertise and they gave you one and it sat in the corner?
It is my own thesis that any great character has elements of the actor's own personality in them. That said, how much of Denny Crane was the real Shatner?
Working...
In Star Trek 5 (I think it was 5) you travel back in time to collect whales. Do you ever wish you could use the enterprise to travel back in time and stop "Deep Space 9" from being made?
(I've got an annoying habit of saying "Hello Computer" in a peeved Scottish accent whenever my computer won't respond as a result of this film)
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
You've tackled strange problems, encountered weird technologies and battled otherworldly creatures. And that was just as T. J. Hooker. Are there times you wish you'd had a quieter, more sedate career like, say, Roger Moore or Bruce Lee, or is there a part of you that craves the geekier, more cerebral hero roles you've played?
It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
Mr. Shatner, Do you think Gene Roddenberry's utopian vision of a world where people's skills and abilities are nurtured, science and exploration are prized, and money and hunger are things of the past will ever come to fruition?
If you could choose;
would you rather be eaten alive by a lion, a shark, a grizzly bear or a crocodile?
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
Would just like to second that Has Been is actually a very good album.
Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
The original cast from Star Trek went on to have fairly successful careers after the show ended. Is there any role or carrier choice that one of your former cast members had that you would have also liked to have done? If so, which one of your post Trek jobs would you trade.
Well.. maybe. Or Maybe not. But Definitely not sort of.
Secondary questions: How are the green chicks coiffed downstairs? Does the rug match the drapes?
"I say we take off, nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."
is Watson's a good place to eat?
Mr. Shatner, you look the same as you did when you were 40, have you discovered the fountain of youth and if so, can you send a gallon of it's lifewater to me?
Tsukasa: All I really want, is to be left alone...
Once you go Green, do you ever go back?
I thought the writers were giving you some really snappy lines. In fact I thought it was kind of an unbalanced show: you were getting the best dialog and other characters were somewhat weak.
If you could pick from the Star Wars universe to staff your next 5 year mission into space- who would you choose to accompany you on the Enterprise?
Would you perhaps have Anakin Skywalker in the engine room since he made a good pod racer and an android as a kid.
Perhaps you'd like Yoda in sick bay or as your number 2.
So who would you pick from Star Wars to man the Enterprise?
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
Mr Shatner, It's an honor to at least have the chance of asking you something. Thank you for your time. And for everything. Have you considered touring, as a stand-up comedian or whatever, specially outside US and Canada? You know, you have a gigantic fanbase in, ehem, Argentina.
Buanzo Consulting - 15 Years of GNU/Linux experience, for you.
Any chance of this?
You seem to be able to keep yourself firmly grounded while those around you continually put you on a pedestal. I have read that you were in some rough straights prior to getting the Star Trek role. Does that play a part in keeping you from elevating yourself and what other factors help you?
DENNY CRANE!
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." - K
David X Cohen has made it very clear that Zapp Brannigan was based on a combination of Kirk's apparent disregard of danger and a popular impression of you being a jerk. Do you think of him as effective parody, a completely different character, or just silly?
(Especially since you ended up putting in some voice-over time on Futurama)
I am officially gone from
As a fan of both Joe Jackson and Ben Folds, I purchased Has Been almost immediately after hearing one of the tracks for the first time. I like the record a lot.
What was it like recording with the various musicians on the album, and do you plan to write and record new material in the future?
Thanks.
Was there ever any blow-back from the "Ollie North, The Mute Marine" skit?
more cowbell
Have you really never had a bad day, in your whole life?
Is it really that simple though- we don't know what his motivations to answer would be.
He might prefer a Grizzly because it would be supporting the fauna of his homeland. Or maybe prefer a Lion- because they are an environmentally threatened species.
Sharks and Crocodiles would imply that he was (most likely) spending his last days in a warm location- quite likely relaxing at some coastal location or on the banks of a lazy river.
I think I'd personally go with the lion. I like cats.
"That's the way to do it" - Punch
I've always heard the story that what really set Takai off was that Shatner convinced Nicholas Meyer to cut almost all Takai's scenes from Star Trek 2. Supposedly, there was a subplot where Sulu was taking command of his own ship, and Shatner wanted it cut. Personally, I'm not sure Takai is being fair. Meyer was pretty good about standing up to Shatner on that set (wearing him down with dozens of takes sometimes to get a decent performance out of him). This sounds more like the kind of thing Meyer might have implicated to Takai just to get him off his back, when in fact it was Meyer himself who wanted the scenes cut (and for good reason, the movie is pretty tight as is and I just can't picture some lame Sulu subplot mucking it up).
I suspect the Takai's beef started on the set of the TV series, but apparently it was ST2 that really drove it off a cliff for good.
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
So, any plans to do more with myouterspace.com? It seemed like a cool idea when it first started but it just seems to have gone nowhere. What more can be done to get it more active and useful for creative types?
Kids don't belong on the bridge of the USS Enterprise
Shutting down free speech with violence isn't fighting fascism. It IS fascism!
Mr Shatner, What is your favorite color when it comes to alien women? Green or blue?
I read some books after that, where Kirk was back :)
This is the sig that says NI (again)
Wow, yeah that's pretty rough. I would give most of the credit for Has Been's greatness to Ben Folds, although Shatner definitely contributed lyrically.
"Oh my..."
Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
So what's your secret to looking so young? You made an appearance in the documentary, "Transcendent Man". For those of you who haven't seen it, it is a documentary about Ray Kurzweil's continuing quest to take enough supplements and pursue enough radical life-extension techniques to survive long enough to see the technological singularity and thus live forever. Are you pursuing similar supplement regimes and/or life extension techniques to keep you looking young? If so, what works and what doesn't?
I realize your role as Marc in the movie "Incubus" is pretty obscure, but I've been particularly intrigued by the movie ever since I managed to see it. I'd be able to ask several questions about it, but the most obviously unusual thing about it is that it was done in Esperanto. (I actually thought it was a pretty good little low budget movie and that you did a fine job in it.) I read somewhere that originally you and the other cast members were supposed to speak Volupuk but objected. But, to make this a question, I'll just ask what stays in your mind the most about making that movie?
In theory, theory and practice are the same; in practice they're different. (Yogi Berra & A. Einstein)
...how annoying is the fan base? You can be honest with me. I liked TOS, TNG and DS9, but at this point I will end the next person who quotes a Klingon proverb at me.
Given that "Star Trek" is phonetically matched to "Alex Trebek" who has posed the question more than a dozen times on Jeopardy, and given that "Denny Lane" is phonetically matched to "Penny Lane", I put to you sir, and the world, that William Shatner, in a psychedelic fit under the guise of his "character" Captain Kirk was the true killer of John and and not one Mark David Chapman, in order to cover up his tryst with Yono Oko as he was portraying "TJ Hooker" a supposed "law officer". And I put to you sir, that John's death was accidental, and that you instead meant to kill Yoko, or at least stun her with your phaser!! What is the truth, Denny Lane????
No, that's a question for "Ask Robert Stack anything you'd like."
Who had the most difficult role to break from? We know that many forever brand you as Kirk but you have held some stand out roles in your time, which of the actors of the original series was truly typecast and how well did they escape that if ever?
* Winners compare their achievements to their goals, losers compare theirs to that of others.
Like many of younger generations, one of the best first ways I learned the skill of the bluff was watching The Corbomite Maneuver. And the weak encryption strategy appeals especially to the truly geeky audiences. Has The Corbomite Maneuver strategy shown analogues in any real life situations for you, or can you regale us of any humorous anecdotes pertaining to The Corbomite Maneuver? Everybody's talking about.. The Corbomite Maneuver! If nothing else, make sure that ghostly alien prop prop shows up on the Conan O'Brien show next time you have a cameo :). Ha ha ha.
Of all the parts that you turned down, which one do you regret the most now?
Me: Quick, Anakin! Crawl up the Jefferies tube and shut off the, um, telefluxchron particle emitter!
Anakin: (all pouty faced and with Rarity-class whining) Oh, all right!
First Officer: Um, sir, that's the photon torpedo tube.
Me: (shutting tube hatch behind Anabitch) Yeah, yeah. Bridge? Fire all torpedos.
(muffled scream cut off by torpedo firing sound effect)
Me: Sweet! Drinks are on me in Ten Forward!
First Officer: Wow. That was a bit cruel.
Me: Uh huh. Just so you know, I have dirt on most of Starfleet high command, so I can have you and the entire bridge crew replaced by green Orion slave girls at a moment's notice.
The "Turnabout Intruder" (TOS episode 79) was the last filmed episode (though not the last broadcast). The episode ends with a down-beat Kirk/Spock/Scotty walking down the corridor. Was that down-beat ending chosen to reflect the sadness of the final episode? I know this was a long time ago, but I always wondered about this.
Although I am a big fan of James. T. Kirk and Denny Crane I am a bigger fan of William Shatner, the person. You are always doing something new and interesting. (Love the ShatnerVision vids!) I can see that you keep very busy and have a passion for the work and the people you work with. My question is... What is your secret to keeping such a passion or zest for life going?
TV and movie productions have become more technically elaborate over the years, evolving from what were essentially filmed theatrical productions, to elaborate and technically demanding productions that require a large industry of people to support it. In your view, how has technology changed the role and experience of acting since you started?
Hi Mr. Shatner, this has always bugged me. In the third episode of Star Trek season 1 (Where No Man Has Gone Before (I think it's the second pilot), your name listed on the grave stone created by Gary Lockwood is James R. Kirk (it can be clearly seen at about a minute or two before the end), what does the R. stand for? We all know about Tiberius but R. thanks
as seen here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kNs4pxhRvc&feature=player_detailpage#t=59s
sure it was in humor/jest but did it rub you the wrong way when it was suggested that
76,800,000,000 lifeforms thought JT kirk is a douchebag, or did it warm your heart to find out only two of his friends agreed?
every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
Bill, you're well known in the Esperanto world as the star of the pre-Star Trek thriller "Incubus", written and performed in Esperanto.
Cxu vi ankoraux regas vian Esperanto-kapablon de tiu filmo?
(Have you still retained your Esperanto ability from that movie?)
Cxu vi uzis gxin iel ajn poste?
(Have you used it an any way afterwards?)
[Sorry, folks -- I'm using the X-system here instead of actual Esperanto characters, because Slashdot doesn't seem to like Esperanto.]
Thanks!
Amike kaj dankeme,
Scott S.
Ceci n'est pas une pipe.
Does the world still need "classic" Star Trek, the story that not only entertained us, but fueled the imaginations of many?
I would give most of the credit for Has Been's greatness to Ben Folds
So does he.
Quote from the liner notes from Has Been. "I would like to thank Ben for allowing me to glimpse a part of musical life that I've never seen before. I want to visit it again."
Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
As someone who grew up on Star Trek reruns and one of the people in the audience of the taping of the final episode of $#*! My Dad Says, I am curious if you felt that there were any changes that could be made to any of the shows you starred on that you believe would have extended their run?
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night thinking about an acting job? If so, what was the job and why are you still able to remember it to this day?
Depends...
ba dum bump!
...the future crusty old bastards are already drinking the Kool-Aid.
Do you ever get interviewed without Star Trek being mentioned?
(this would be a great last question btw if all other questions had nothing to do with ST!)
He found his wife dead in a swimming pool.
I think that might qualify as a "Bad day".
If I were God, wouldn't I protect my churches from acts of me?
You've jested about this in the past, but do you have any thoughts on running for a political seat in the Canadian government? We'd love to have you (but hey, anyone can do better than the current guy in the top seat).
Slartibartfast:"Is that your robot?"
Marvin:"No, I'm mine."
After a few minutes of reading your Web site, I was struck by a sense that something was subtly not right. Then I realized You Capitalize The First Letter Of nearly Every Word Of Every Sentence Like It Is A Headline In A Newspaper (it's like an obsessive-compulsive variant of upstyle). It's significant because it's deliberate, more labor-intensive than typing in ALL CAPS, and it's painful to read. Perhaps you are poking fun at the pauses in the delivery of Kirk's lines by making every word seem like a new sentence. Perhaps if someone with more time on their hands than I were to string together every fifth non-capitalized first letter and reverse them they spell out some secret manifesto about getting a life. Perhaps it is an attempt to inflict mental anguish upon those obnoxious diehard fans who have hung on your every word for years. Please tell us, what is with this bizarre writing style? I'm honestly afraid to buy your new book for fear that it will be written the same way.
What is your favorite role so far over the course of your career?
How long have you been breeding Dobermans? What is the name of your linage if any? What are your dogs names? Why are Dobermans so great?
The thing I have always appreciated about good science fiction is that it teaches us things about ourselves that other genres cannot. We all have our preconceived notions about ourselves and our situations, and we resist listening to anything that deviates from those notions. But when you watch good science fiction your brain tells you, "I'd never sit in The Busy Bee Cafe and let those cards dictate my life", so you let your guard down and enjoy a brief escape from reality. But at some point in the story you realize that you are watching yourself. What drew you to your science fiction roles?
1) What was it like being in Baywatch?
and,
2) Do you ever get mistaken for other actors?
"We live in a global world" - Harvey Pitt, former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman
Mr Shatner:
Early in your career you appeared in several classic episodes of the twilight zone. Can you describe your experience with this show and your professional relationship with Mr. Rod Serling?
Hey William... Have you been assimilated by the Borg yet?
In hindsight, do you wish you had been in better shape before allowing your shirt to get torn off in the 60's?
How firmly was your tongue in your cheek when recording Rocket Man?
Do you have any stories you would like to share about Rod Serling.
Hi Will,
I liked your portrayal of Denny Crane from DEK's show Boston Legal so much. I know of at least two aspiring lawyers around me that you have inspired. Would you ever consider guest starring in another DEK legal drama (such as Harry's Law)?
Is there any validity JR Digs' claim that your ripped him off of $28K CDN? http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/eh8wq/iam_the_telemarketer_troll_jrdigs_ama/
Having been in both successful and not so successful relationships, what leads to one or the other?
In addition (sorry, I've got two questions) are you still working on The Shiva Club (which wikipedia says was to have been inspired by Nerine's disease)?
Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
Mr. Shatner,
Are there any lesser-known off-camera stories that still stand out in your mind, during the filming of your various TV series?
I am particularly curious about the mood and chatter on the set during the rehearsal and filming of "Plato's Stepchildren", where Kirk kissed Uhura. Hollywood being what it is, I doubt anyone would have quit in protest, but it must have been an interesting time.
Stay well.
Do you carry a towel?
Hey, the rules say one question at a time. They are put there for a reason. And that reason is so that we can also have a chance to quip one of the Family Guy quotes.
If you are not allowed to question your government then the government has answered your question.
A number of years ago you participated in an Ask Slashdot discussion. To spite some excellent questions from your fans, your answer were short and trite. Why did you treat your fans like this and will you do so again?
Strive to make your client happy, not necessarly give them what they ask for
Have you ever actually bid on a "Name Your Own Price" hotel room on Priceline.com? Have you visited sites such as betterbidding.com that teach bidding strategy, e.g. free re-bid zones? Do your friends ask you for bidding assistance?
Have you ever actually played World of Warcraft?
If so, what's your opinion on it?
Mr Shatner,
Can you share what your thoughts were when you found out that NASA decided to name the 1st shuttle as The Enterprise? Can you offer any insights into the general thoughts of the rest of the cast or Gene himself? How was it for you, knowing that part of the show had such an influence on that segment of the world, meaning the fans and the space community, that they actually honored the show by naming a real spacecraft after it?
BTW, thank you for Kirk. You rock Bill.
Also, how the hell did you get mixed up with the Charlie Sheen roast? You're the last guy I expected to see... but your "who's the warlock now? Bitch" was indeed the highlight of the night. Along with "Steve-o. WTF? " :-)
Huh?
Reading through the link it appears to me that Shatner was teasing Wil, but Wil, as a kid, took it the wrong way. I'm willing to bet that if Wil actually spent some time talking to Shatner that he would form a different impression. The problem is that our first impression often colors how we perceive others. We often do not give that person another chance.
No. I think its pretty obvious what Shatner was doing to Wheaton. Usually people who joke like you're implying say at the end that they were just kidding and don't let the person walk away with hard feelings. Especially when its a kid, unless you're trying to motivate them. For him to do that to Wil just shows how much of an asshole Shatner can be and the response Wil received from other staff only confirms it. Yes, I said that right. William Shatner is probably an asshole. Just seeing his behavior on live TV since the 90s, I don't really like him much and only tolerate it when I see him in some movie or TV appearance. I never saw what the big fascination was with him anyways. His character perhaps. But Shatner himself seems like such a prima donna and I've always been surprised that the rest of the geek community idolized James Kirk and shunned characters like Wesley Crusher. Its probably just jealousy. Being a Trekkie myself, what I'd like to say to such jealously is so the fuck what! Get over yourself and just enjoy the show. Kids and all. If you can't accept the fact that there are kids on the show, then you are missing one of the core messages of Star Trek.
Interestingly enough, Slashdot interviewed first Wil Wheaton 10 years ago to the month. I was fortunate and got to ask a question on that one, but I refrained on this one because I simply am not a fan of Shatner as stated above.
Did you really set your high school principal's car on fire for being an asshat? Or is this just a highly likely rumour?
-- I ignore anonymous replies to my comments and postings.
What are your thoughts on the writing of the TV episodes you were in. They seem to me to often be 'morality plays'. Also the writing and acting seemed to sometimes take on a kind of Elizabethan Theatre vibe, where they made up for minimalistic special effects, and sometimes minimalistic sets. For example whatever that episode was where the characters assumed the role of the Erps at the OK Coral. For what it's worth, I really liked the presentation concept of that particular episode since it was so unique. What are your thoughts on this? I mention the episode to illustrate my question, but if you know opinion on the whole thing, then tell us, do you like hamburgers, or cheeseburgers better? ;)
-- I ignore anonymous replies to my comments and postings.
It's been 22 years since TekWar was first published; seventeen since the television series gave us a "common" visualization of Tek itself. Since those two milestones, I've found it intriguing how our technological advancement seems to be aiming towards the development of Tek. And not just advancement with computers and the Internet, but within the neuroscience and brain-computer interface fields also. It is within the realm of possibility that Tek--or similar digital drug--will exist within a couple of decades.
Could you talk about how the concept of Tek came about? Was it just a "crazy idea" that hit you while riding one of your horses, or did you sit down by yourself or others to develop a vision of the future and build a story around that? Also, looking around at people addicted to using smartphones everywhere, what are your thoughts regarding a form of Tek coming into existence in the next decade or two?
Thanks for your answer, and thanks also for a great career.
Mr Shatner, if I were an alien, I'd have seen all the original Star Trek episodes you starred in (maybe I am an alien :). If aliens were to contact any individual human, if they're like me they might pick you, since you were adept at dealing with (our idea of) them. Your best friend was half alien (I leave it to the reader to decide which half ;), you cooperated with the best of them and bested the worst of them, and you always let them bring out the most human in you.
So: have any real aliens ever contacted you? If not, do you think there out there - or maybe even here among us?
--
make install -not war
Mr Shatner, my question is offbeat, so feel free to take it anywhere;
If you could, would you become Captain Kirk?
And what do you imagine an average day would be like, if you were...
Also, thank-you for choosing to become an actor, and creating one of the most iconic characters of modern times.
In all of Shakespeare's works, which character would you most enjoy playing, and why?
-- IANAL, this isn't legal advice, and definitely isn't legal advice for you. Also, Squee!
there was a rumor among fans back in the early 70s, and was a subject of recurring question in fan mail, that there were hints in the show that Kirk and Spock were more close than just best friends.
A mind meld would be an interesting "sex toy"......
He says he invited you...
Downmodding is the refuge of the weak. Don't downmod, make a better argument!
Why was Captain Kirk climbing a mountain?
Who ate all the pies?
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
There seems to be a big overlap between techies and trekkies. Do you have much of an interest in technical matters yourself, and do you see Star Trek (and sci-fi more generally) as a valuable guide for imagination/innovation, or perhaps a box people should think outside of?
I thought your 2004 album turned out quite well, with a couple of really good cuts. I liked "Common People" (with Joe Jackson) well enough to still play it occasionally. Do you have any plans for future musical projects with Joe (one hopes) or any other musician or are you working on anything musical right now?
licet differant, aequabitur
According to his autobiography, George Takei was Hell-bent on having Sulu be made a captain in the name of "character development," which is why he (and not any of the other crew, who all had ridiculous seniority by that point) finally got the Excelsior in Star Trek 6.
(That book is completely worthless, by the way: how do you write an autobiography and completely leave out the fact that you're gay?!)
"[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz
Hi Bill,
All your life is associated (at least for the public) to space. I'm guessing that you never actually went into space. Do you find this frustrating? Would you like to go in space if you had the opportunity to do it "in real life"?
What's cooking? Something tells me you're up to something big.
Also, would you mind terribly running for President?
Having read your first four autobiographies, and seeing that you just released your sixth, have you checked if you hold any records for the most autobiographies published?
How was the green chick?
Beta is broken and the link to classic doesn't work. Stop wasting our time or there won't be anybody left here.
Denny, (I mean, Mr. Shatner),
Pray tell, what Scotch and which cigars were yours and Alan's preference?
And thank you, for the inspiration, the Emerson quotes, and being a big part of my life.
Warm regards,
Adam
Mr. Shatner:
At one point in your career, work was scarce and you lived out of a truck camper. In your opinion and based on your experience, what is the best way to psychologically deal with particularly trying times (as many people face today)?
You and Leonard Nimoy are nearly the same age -born days apart actually- but you had quite different beginnings. You were a traditional Shakespearean while Nimoy had military experience. You were a Canadian while Nimoy an American.
The first several episodes of Star Trek used the Spock character to a lesser extent than later on and it could be said that the character portrayal was intentionally stiff or unyielding.
To what extent did you mentor or coach Mr. Nimoy? Was that early stiffness an intentional vehicle to express an alien personae? Could you talk about the signature moment when you felt the Kirk-Spock interaction transcend the script to the mutual respect and friendship that endeared Star Trek fans to the franchise?
Did you and Leonard ever joke around about being the oldest?
thank you so much.
If cockroaches can live for up to nine days without their heads, what's the point of them having heads in the first place?
Not that you're a biologist or anything. I just want to know :-)
I wrote my first program at the age of six, and I still can't work out how this website works.
I greatly enjoyed your characterization of the Stanley Milgram character, Stephen Turner, in "The Tenth Level". It seems, however, all but impossible to find a decent quality reproduction of the program. Can you shed any light on how one might be obtained?
1. What role that you turned down do you regret, if any? ... you?
2. Is there any young and upcoming actor that reminds you of
3. What role from any work of fiction would you love to play?
As the announcement to submit questions suggested, I went to your home page before submitting a question. With all due respect, Mr. Shatner, your web page is a confusing collage of unnecessary graphics, random icons, and annoying things that blink and flash. I half expected a popup advertisement for Adult Friend Finder.
out there now. When you were playing Kirk, kids could get a real chemistry set, for example. Now it's a lot different, and that desire to "boldly go where no man has gone before" seems blunted, constrained and discouraged. Much better to play in the sand box with the other kids.
When you were playing Kirk, I was a free range kid doing all manner of things, and yes that includes blowing stuff up. Now free range kids are increasingly rare as we consider that bad parenting, or they are "at risk", or some other fear based thing.
Have you noticed these changes? What do you think about them?
***And you kick a lot of ass Mr Shatner. I enjoy watching your antics. When I see or hear about you, I generally associate that with good times.
Blogging because I can...
Curious. Surely he doesn't have a passport from Canada still? That would just be silly. Does he vote? I hope he does but not in Canadian elections. He doesn't live in Canada and hasn't for 50 years. He has spent all of his life, essentially, in the USA. I'd say that makes him an American or perhaps a Canadian-American. I guess my question for Mr. Shatner would be, "Are you a Canadian actor? And, if so, explain the rationale for that designation."
Also (heh heh), how many women do think Captain Kirk nailed and what percentage were Aliens--does any of this apply to yourself in real life?
From: Q: How much of James T. Kirk's mentality do you share in the real world? Did playing the character change you as a person?
--
I am not a signature genius.
Yesterday's Weirdness is Tomorrow's Reason Why
Henry Rollins tells a great and funny story about working with you on a musical project (here and here)
What is your perspective on the story?
-- MrMud
You're either joking or high. Those answers were great - and funny.
DG
Want to learn about race cars? Read my Book
http://interviews.slashdot.org/story/02/12/05/1444246/William-Shatner-Replies
And you're going to ask him about Galaxy Quest and Saturday Night Live, again?
Mr. Shatner,
James T. Kirk was part of the reason I went into a technical discipline. Of course, Scotty was a big inspiration, but Kirk was 'the Captain' and brought a fair bit of humour, humanity, courage and compassion to the show. And of course, both you and James have been great Canadians by virtue of how you have carried your celebrity (and in James' case, his wartime service to Canada during WWII). And you broke a few barriers kissing Ms. Nichols (but then, who wouldn't have?).
So my question:
What was your greatest memory of Canada and what sort of future do you hope to see for Canada?
I might never get a chance to say this again, but thanks for putting the magic in my formative years. It's still with me.
-- Mal: "Well they tell you: never hit a man with a closed fist. But it is, on occasion, hilarious."
How much latitude did you get in your original interpretation of Kirk in the series and how close was it to the treatment you gleaned from the script? In other words how much corrective direction did you take - and if there's room to answer, did this increase or decrease with the series?
((I ask because of what I've heard about Shatner's presence on stage, and wondering about how that changed as the series became popular))
"No good deed goes unpunished"
To me you will always be, Denny Crane, Mr Shatner ;).
Do you think you would ever consider a movie follow-up to the series, with Spader, Bergen & other key characters? Oh pls God, let it be so!!!
Dear Mr Shatner,
Born in 79, I grew up with The Next Generation as "the" Star Trek. You, on the other hand, I came to recognise as the host of Rescue 911, which I remember watching a whole lot. Would you consider this a shame, and should I immediately set out to get a set of the original series DVDs? Or do you feel it is refreshing that not all people automatically think Kirk at the mention of your name?
.: Max Romantschuk
Mr Shatner,
I remember in drama class in high school seeing a production still of your Puck with Lorne Greene's Oberon, which I believe was from the Royal Canadian Shakesperean Theatre Co.
Given the history of Patrick Stewart, Kelsey Grammer, etc, my question is this: Is Shakespeare a necessary prequisite for becoming a starship captain of any sort?