Shatner Admits He Hasn’t Watched Much of Star Trek

London, UK – Actor William Shatner, best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, disclosed that he has not watched much of the series he is famous for. At 94 years old, Shatner revealed in an interview with People that he has seen virtually none of the episodes or movies starring him.

Shatner, who starred in all three seasons of the Original Series, the Animated Series, and the original seven Star Trek films, has had a prolific career that extends beyond this iconic role. He has acted in notable shows like TJ Hooker, Miss Congeniality, and Columbo and authored several books about his experiences in showbiz. Yet, he acknowledges a disconnect with his work, stating, “I have never watched Star Trek. There are many episodes I don’t know, there are some movies I don’t know.”

This sentiment reflects a common struggle among actors, as Shatner admitted, “It’s all painful because I don’t like the way I look and what I do.” While many people find it uncomfortable to hear their own voice or watch themselves, Shatner’s struggle appears more pronounced, highlighting the lack of self-acceptance that can come with a career in the limelight.

Despite this, Shatner directed Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which required him to watch his own work out of necessity. He explained, “I directed one of the movies, number five, I had to watch that one.” However, he has not committed to watching other films in the franchise.

Shatner’s acting style has been critiqued, with some suggesting he leans towards overacting as Captain Kirk. Nevertheless, his enduring career suggests he possesses talents that resonate with audiences. Star Trek may have defined his trajectory, but it seems to come with a hefty dose of personal conflict.