CALGARY – William Shatner, renowned for his iconic role as Captain James Kirk in the legendary franchise “Star Trek,” recently engaged with fans at the Calgary Expo, sharing humorous anecdotes from his extensive career. The 95-year-old actor, who spent nearly three decades in a Starfleet uniform, masterfully navigated through various stories that showcased his playful relationship with co-stars and the chaotic moments on set.
During the event held at the BMO Centre on a Saturday afternoon, Shatner reminisced with a ballroom full of fans. He recounted a particularly amusing incident from the 2016 reality show “Better Late Than Never,” where he traveled with other celebrities across multiple countries. As he humorously detailed his experiences, he also interacted with the audience, occasionally seeking help to recall specific details, such as the capital city of Sweden.
One of the standout stories involved a unique encounter in Stockholm, where Shatner humorously noted that a policeman informed him that deceased individuals begin to smell like fermented fish after two weeks. This fact led to a memorable on-set moment where he and his “Better Late Than Never” co-stars gathered around a can of fermented fish, which eventually exploded, causing one cameraman to “projectile vomit.” In a light-hearted spirit, Shatner seized the opportunity to prank his fellow co-star, Terry Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl champion. He chased Bradshaw with the fermented fish, leading to a comedic incident where Bradshaw, mistaking his surroundings, fell to the ground, allowing Shatner to wipe his bald head with the fish.
Shatner also shared fond memories of his late co-star Leonard Nimoy, who was famously known for portraying Spock. Reflecting on their friendship, Shatner noted, “Had he been a girl, I would have married him.” He described a playful rivalry between the two as they competed to reach the commissary first during filming, leading Nimoy to purchase a bicycle to outpace Shatner. In a light prank, Shatner then decided to sabotage Nimoy’s bicycle by locking it up, even hiding it in his dressing room guarded by his Doberman dogs. The next day, when he took Nimoy to see the bike, it was humorously revealed to be hanging under the spotlight on set.
Haley Rushton, a fan from Nova Scotia, sparked Shatner’s storytelling with a question about his most chaotic moments. Although her inquiry dominated the time, she felt satisfied after witnessing Shatner’s lively stories, stating she could now “die happy.” Accompanying her was her friend Zach Whitney from Vancouver, who, dressed in a Starfleet uniform, expressed excitement over the humorous and charismatic side of Shatner that he showcased during the talk.
Another attendee, Jeff Scheers, reflected on his lifelong admiration for “Star Trek,” recalling how he would watch the series daily on a small black-and-white television during his childhood in 1966. He emphasized the enduring influence of Captain Kirk, saying that the character encouraged him to think critically and consider others’ opinions in decision-making. Scheers noted how he has passed down his passion for “Star Trek” to his children, bridging the gap to “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Shatner’s engaging presence and lively exchanges highlighted not only his enduring legacy within the “Star Trek” community but also the deep connections forged through shared experiences and humor surrounding the iconic series.
