William Shatner Has Some Choice Words About a Certain Star Trek Co-Star
There are few movie stars today who are quite as iconic as William Shatner. This is partly because of the length of his career, with his most famous role being Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series and movies.
Although the beloved characters of the original series shared many adventures and camaraderie, some of the actors of the show did not get along quite as well.
Who did Shatner have a falling out with?
As well as Shatner being known as a recognizable icon, he is well known for being slightly unconventional; including his high level of charisma, unique style of delivering his lines, and alternative music career.
However, his distinctive personality has not stopped him from butting heads with some of his previous co-stars.
His long-term on-off friendship with fellow Star Trek icon Leonard Nimoy was contentious throughout times of their careers. They both admitted to it being, in part, due to their rivalry as leading characters while on Star Trek together.
After the run of Star Trek, Shatner reportedly also had difficult relationships with fellow stars Walter Koenig who played Chekov, and James Doohan who also played Scotty. Apparently, Shatner eventually was able to reconcile with both of his peers after many years of tension.
One co-star who has very much not reconciled their feud with him yet, however, is original Sulu actor George Takei.
The pair have been publicly airing their conflict with each other for several years now. And unlike the others, it looks unlikely it will be healed any time soon.
What did he say about George Takei?
Although the original cause of the dispute between the two is unknown, Shatner himself states he was initially confused and hurt to learn of Takei's true feelings towards him. But unable to make peace over their differences, Shatner recently discussed in an interview with The Times how he believes such public ridiculing at his expense, is a sign of Takei simply doing it to benefit his own publicity.
I began to understand that they were doing it for publicity. Sixty years after some incident they are still on that track. Don’t you think that’s a little weird? It’s like a sickness. George has never stopped blackening my name. These people are bitter and embittered. I have run out of patience with them. Why give credence to people consumed by envy and hate?
Referring to their time on Star Trek together as the possible cause of the tension, the Kirk actor asks himself why Takei may be holding onto a grudge for so long. Is it not time to simply forgive and forget? Either way, Shatner strictly stated he had run out of patience caring about it, and by association Takei himself. His opinion seems to be at his age now, he has no need to accept individuals (referring to Takei) who are consumed by hatred.
Will George Takei and William Shatner ever make up?
The chance of the two Star Trek alums ever burying the hatchet seems highly unlikely. The pair's rivalry has remained famously public for some years. And by the sound of it, Shatner has given up seeking Takei's forgiveness for the moment. Yet, the notable actor did manage to make peace with several of his other past co-stars, including Doohan before his death. Maybe there is still a chance for these two Star Trek icons to make up after all.