William Shatner at 94: Reflecting on 'Star Trek' and his real-life trip to space

At 94, William Shatner reflects on 'Star Trek,' trip to space
In "On The Red Carpet ICONS," 94-year-old William Shatner reflects on 'Star Trek,' his history-making trip to space, and his secret to a long life
ByJoe Maxfield OTRC logo
Monday, September 15, 2025

LOS ANGELES -- From the daring and dashing Captain Kirk on "Star Trek," to a no-nonsense police sergeant on "T.J. Hooker," to his Emmy-winning turn as the eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on "Boston Legal," William Shatner has been a Hollywood icon for decades.

On a new episode of "On The Red Carpet ICONS," we're celebrating Shatner's incredible career with a new in-depth interview with the star.

"Is there a 'Star Trek' moment that makes you especially happy that you were a part of over those years?" our George Pennacchio asked him.

"Well, yes, the beauty of so many of the shows and the excellence of the writing and all those friends of mine who were three years in the making," Shatner answered. "It's a very intimate thing doing a series."

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In addition to being an actor, Shatner, a true Renaissance man, is also an accomplished author and recording artist. He also made history as the oldest man ever to go into space when he flew on Blue Origin's NS-18 Mission in 2021 at the age of 90.

"I had such a profound experience," Shatner said. "When the guy over the loudspeaker said, 'Alright, we're gonna move the gantry,' and this is the God's truth, he said, 'Anybody who wants to get off should get off now,' and I thought, 'I think I'll'-- and then I said, 'I can't, I'm captain Kirk!"

After a laugh, Shatner continued, "So I stayed and I looked out the window and I saw the tiny blue orb. I am filled, and was then as well, with the magic of the connection of all life on earth."

In this new episode of "On The Red Carpet ICONS," Shatner also talks about his early days in Canada before stardom, first making a name for himself on Broadway. Plus, what he's planning to do next, including a very personal new album.

"One of the songs is my wife keeps saying, 'what'll I do when you die?' What am I going to do?'" Shatner explained. "And so I wrote a song about where I'll be when I die."

He also shares which of his characters he would "probably" describe as the role of a lifetime, which "Star Trek" movie he thinks is the best and why he was almost arrested three times!

Watch the full episode, "On The Red Carpet ICONS: William Shatner," in the video player above.

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