Latest news with #CaptainKirk
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Star Trek icon William Shatner ruled TV screens 60 years ago, see him now at 94 in rare sighting
Star Trek icon William Shatner looked sharp as ever during a rare outing in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The legendary actor, 94, showed no signs of slowing down while stopping by the Aroma Coffee & Tea in Tujunga Village with a friend. He later moved to browsing furniture and was seen holding a flyer for a unique designer chair. The Canadian star — who recently discovered a new way to 'live forever' — sported a striped blue button-up shirt with navy pants and a pair of comfortable sneakers. His grey hair was neatly swept to the side, and he wore black sunglasses to shield his eyes. Shatner — who opened up about a 'difficult' health condition last month — is globally known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original 1960s Star Trek TV series and subsequent films, such as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Last month it was reported that Shatner has used a groundbreaking program to immortalize both his experiences and personality for future generations. StoryFile, an innovative AI company, has developed lifelike, interactive 3D avatars that allow people to 'live on' after death, sharing memories and answering questions in the same natural and conversational manner of a real person. Shatner as well as philanthropist Michael Staenberg, 71, have both used StoryFile to immortalize both their experiences and personalities. The technology captures video interviews, transforming them into hologram-style avatars that use generative AI, similar to ChatGPT, to respond dynamically to questions. StoryFile's avatars have been employed in museums since 2021 to preserve the voices of historical figures like WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors, and by terminally ill individuals to connect with family after death. Until now, the company has offered a premium service costing tens of thousands of dollars, but a new, affordable app launching this summer will allow everyday people to record their own AI avatars for less than the cost of a monthly cellphone plan. It comes after Shatner revealed his secret to having youthful energy. Last year he said the key to staying young was to 'stay engaged in life, to stay curious,' as per People. 'Your life's energy, the soul energy of your body is a product of health. If you're sick, you can't be energetic. You're dying. So my luck has been, I've been healthy all my life,' he said. He also credited his wife Elizabeth Shatner, 64, with keeping him young. They were married from 2001 to 2020, and then reconciled with each other in 2023. In a 2023 interview with The Mirror, the TJ Hooker alum heaped more praise on his wife. 'My wife … she is the zest of life. She brings the flavor.' In January 2023, Shatner told Variety he was making a documentary, You Can Call Me Bill, because he didn't have long to live and he wanted his grandchildren to know him after he's gone. 'Whether I keel over as I'm speaking to you or 10 years from now, my time is limited, so that's very much a factor. I've got grandchildren. This documentary is a way of reaching out after I die.' He also revealed he'd been asked many times to have a documentary about his life made. 'I've turned down a lot of offers to do documentaries before. But I don't have long to live,' he said. You Can Call Me Bill was released in 2023 and is available on Prime Video. Meanwhile, the enduring legacy of Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk has continued to inspire new generations. However, actor Paul Wesley recently discussed making a conscious decision to create his own interpretation of Kirk, instead of just imitating Shatner's version, while starring in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. 'I watched, I rewatched every episode of T.O.S. prior to getting onset. I made a conscious decision. I thought about should I imitate or try to emulate William Shatner in any way. I thought, god, he did such an amazing job. He was so iconic, why not do my own spin?' he recently told CBS News. In the Paramount Plus series, Wesley plays Lt. Kirk before his promotion to captain of the USS Enterprise. 'This is pre-captain so maybe he is still sort of figuring it out,' the actor explained. And he had Shatner's blessing for the role. Wesley shared that Shatner tweeted him, 'Take care of my crew and my ship.' 'It was such a beautiful moment for me,' he recalled. Season three of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is now streaming on Paramount+.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Wesley on Playing Captain Kirk — Temporarily — on ‘Strange New Worlds'
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 3 Episode 6 'The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail.'] 'Goodnight, Captain Kirk.' Yes, Paul Wesley's character is captain in this episode — temporarily, when the Farragut's crew, including its leader, is injured. The Enterprise comes to its aid, giving us a glimpse into the TOS future with Kirk working alongside Spock (Ethan Peck), Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), Chapel (Jess Bush), and Scotty (Martin Quinn). Under other circumstances, Kirk would be happy with the promotion, but with his ship in need of serious repairs and scavengers boarding the Enterprise, it's less than ideal. When he freezes, it's Spock who talks him through it, noting that good leaders know when to listen and when not to (something Kirk still has to learn). He advises him to listen to his human intuition. That works, and in the end, they do beat the scavengers — only to discover that they were descendants of the first group of scientists who set out during the 21st century's environmental crisis in search of a new home for humanity. After, Pike (Anson Mount) sits down with Kirk and offers some advice: What he learned when he got bumped up to first officer is that the big decisions seem simple when someone else has to live with the consequences but there are some decisions you make in the captain's chair you'll regret the rest of your life. Kirk feels terrible upon learning the scavengers whose deaths he was responsible for were humans, but Pike points out that empathy for your adversary is part of the job. And it's because of the way he feels now that Kirk will use the knowledge that they're not that different from their enemy going forward. With that, Pike leaves the first officer with that 'Goodnight, Captain Kirk.' Below, Paul Wesley takes us inside the big Kirk episode, discusses the beginnings of Kirk and Spock's bond, and more. It feels like with this episode, we're really starting to see the Kirk we expect to see as captain more than we ever have before, and we get to see what one will be one day with the crew members we have on the bridge and in engineering. How was exploring that version of Kirk? Paul Wesley: It was amazing. When we first see Kirk in the chair and you see Uhura and Spock and Chapel, you're like, 'Whoa, I've seen this before.' But I wanted to create — when Kirk first assumes command in that episode, he's still not the fully-formed captain. He's confused. He doesn't know really how to make decisions in the right way. He has a lot of learning lessons, but you see a glimmer of that sort of heroic Captain Kirk that we all know, that really self-assured, sure-footed individual, but it's the genesis of that, and that's what makes it so interesting to play. But then we also wanted to make sure that we got the dynamic between Kirk and Uhura and Kirk and Spock, and their shorthand, the way they can quickly communicate. We need to see that they can work cohesively together really well. And hopefully we did that. Marni Grossman / Paramount+ I feel like we really see the way that Kirk's feelings about being in charge change throughout the episode because he says, under better circumstances, he'd be thrilled, but because of the circumstances, he is really getting to understand what being captain means. Right. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. It was cool because in that episode we did, it was like he's just captain temporarily. So it was a fun way to introduce Captain Kirk without going fully there. Why did Kirk need Spock to be the one to talk to him when he was feeling frozen? What was it he needed at that point? That was such a good scene. Yeah, it was. Kirk and Spock, the sort of brilliance of that relationship and the reason why people love what Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner did, is the fact that they are yin and yang, and they both have different parts of their brain that are activated and they help one another because together they are the perfect combination of logic, a.k.a. Spock, and then just sort of this instinctive drive, which is Kirk. Kirk uses his instincts, and Spock uses his logic. And I think Kirk was lost and he needed someone with a different perspective to give him some advice. And of course, that's Spock, and that's why Spock and Kirk really do become best friends because they are polar opposites, but they complement each other so well. Yeah, everyone knows what that dynamic is going to be one day. So how has it been building to that? It's beautiful because Ethan Peck and I are very good friends, and interestingly enough, I'm not sure if we're method acting or if it's just really good casting, we have a Spock and Kirk dynamic in real life. Ethan is just such a genuine, artistic, but also quirky individual in the best way. And we have this really funny relationship where we laugh at things for different reasons and we get along really, really well and just sort of have this odd sense of humor with one another. And it really helps. I mean, I gotta tell you, when you get along with somebody that you're working with, it shows on screen. It really does. And so I'm having a blast working opposite him. Marni Grossman / Paramount+ And then we get that great Kirk and Pike scene at the end with Pike calling him Captain Kirk. Would you say that after that conversation, Kirk might be the closest to being ready to be captain that he has been yet? I think he learned a very valuable lesson that he needs to then go and sit with himself and come to terms with. I think he still has a lot of work to do. I think Pike is such a mentor to Kirk. He really is. It is a true — When we're on set, Anson really is the leader in terms of just being the cast member who is the anchor of the series. And then as far as his character, he's also the anchor of the series. And I think Kirk really looks up to Pike. And when Pike will eventually meet his fate, which is in canon, I think at that point, Kirk will have learned enough lessons to be ready to assume the role. Talk about filming those key scenes for Kirk, with Spock and Pike. It was a really big episode for me. I was in virtually every scene. I think when you're working opposite somebody who's equally prepared and ready to do the best work possible, that's what I was — In the final scene with Pike, I got emotional and I was able to get emotional. We both did. I remember we both had tears in our eyes. You feed off one another. When you're an actor, you really pull from the person who's working opposite you and you feed off each other. It's like a game of tennis, and the game is only going to be as good as the person who's playing opposite you. And I'm just lucky. I'm lucky because I have two very talented people that are working opposite me. Frankly, everybody on the cast. It's a rare thing when everyone is very gifted and committed. What can you tease about what we'll see from Kirk in upcoming episodes? Can you say if it's this Kirk we're seeing or if it's another version of Kirk? I will say that the writers are deeply imaginative. And as you have seen already in the episodes that have aired, they take really big swings and they do things that you think, 'Oh gosh, they've run out of ideas.' And then they come up with something that is so left of center, that you're just like, 'Well, how are we going to do this?' But then we, oddly enough, we pull it off and everything from a musical, which you've all seen, to use your imagination because it's probably going to happen. And so Kirk, even though I'm not in every episode, I do get to do some really fun stuff that I just simply can't reveal, but just know you guys are all in for treat. With whom would you say Kirk has the most significant conversation coming up? He has significant conversations with everyone, but La'an [Christina Chong] has always been his love, and her and Spock are… The point is Kirk and La'an have a history as we all already know, and I think let's see how that goes. Let's see what happens. People really love that time travel episode. And I think people want to see more of them together as do I think. I love Christine, and I love working with her. So let's see. , Thursdays, Paramount+ Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kirk Steps Into the Captain's Chair for the First Time on the Next 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'
Kirk Steps Into the Captain's Chair for the First Time on the Next 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' originally appeared on Parade. Last week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds saw the away team in actual danger, where they could neither sing mor beam their way out of trouble. This week, Kirk (Paul Wesley) is put in the hot seat when his first day in the captain's chair doesn't go as smoothly as he had hoped. Read on for more about the episode "The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail". 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 What happened in last week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? In "Through the Lens of Time," last week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Chapel (Jess Bush) and Korby's (Cillian O'Sullivan) quest to uncover the next step in human evolution led the Enterprise to a planet where ancient ruins hid a deeper mystery and an even more terrifying secret. Not all worlds are friendly, and the away team soon discovered this when they were trapped inside the ancient ruins of a planet Korby hoped to explore. Nurse Gamble (Chris Myers) turned out to be the "redshirt" this season, as the friendly, enthusiastic ensign on his first away mission had his eyes literally ripped out of his sockets. As M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) tried to regenerate them with what appears to be the same light therapy mask I use at home, we discovered Gamble is now possessed by the parasitic Vezda, something that is so evil that even Pelia (Carol Kane) is creeped out by it. Even more so, Marie's (Melanie Scrofano) residual Gorn DNA recognized it and had an innate instinct to eliminate it on sight. If the Gorn thinks it's bad news, I mean... In the end, the rest of the away team were able to make it out of the ruins intact, uninfected and alive. Much to Korby's dismay, they leave the ruins behind, mostly untouched. Gamble had pretty much died long before he ever returned to the ship, and it was up to M'Benga to inform the young man's family of his untimely death. Related: What happens in this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds? In this week's episode, "The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail," it's Lieutenant Commander James Kirk's (Paul Wesley) first day in the Captain's chair of the U.S.S. Farragut. In the beginning, he's a bit bored with the monotony of the daily routine, but it's not all smooth sailing when the day takes a disastrous turn when the Enterprise is captured by a deadly Scavenger Ship. But the alien menace is not exactly what it seems… Check out images from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Take a look at select images from this week's episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Paramount+Kirk Steps Into the Captain's Chair for the First Time on the Next 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' first appeared on Parade on Aug 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Actor William Shatner, 94, Announces Personal News
Actor William Shatner, 94, Announces Personal News originally appeared on Parade. Captain Kirk is ready to boldly go where he never has before — and this time, he is bringing his most devoted fans along for the ride. William Shatner, 94, best known as 's Captain Kirk of the starship Enterprise, continues to be a force of nature. From his memorable role on Star Trek to his real-life journey into space, Shatner is constantly exploring new frontiers in his incredible career on screen, on stage and even on the page. On Thursday, Shatner took to his official Instagram to announce a deeply personal new project that will reflect on his most iconic roles and celebrate the people who made Star Trek the phenomenon it continues to be today: his fans. 'My dear followers, I wanted to drop a bit of a teaser,' Shatner wrote. 'I'm writing a new book. Even Better: the book's all about YOU, the fans, and you can be a part of it, maybe even be in it!' The comment section exploded with excitement from fans, who shared the impact Shatner has had on their lives and their excitement for this new window into his world — and chance to collaborate with their hero. 'An absolutely brilliant idea!' one fan commented on the Instagram post. Another wrote, 'Just clicked the purchase button and standing by for instructions!!! 🙌🔥👏.' A third fan admitted, 'I think I would faint in that situation,' referring to the possibility of being interviewed by the iconic star, 'its silly, but too much joy.' One lifelong fan shared in the same comments section that Rescue 911, Shatner's '80s reality TV series in which he interviewed real-life first responders, was 'a big reason for my 34-year career as a paramedic.' The commenter added, 'Looking forward to this book immensely!' According to the website Shatner shared, to be a part of the new book entitled William Shatner... And You!, fans need to preorder the book before Dec. 31. When they preorder, fans will have the opportunity to submit stories about how Shatner's most iconic characters — from Star Trek's Kirk to Denny Crane of Boston Legal — have impacted their lives. From those narratives a 'select few' will be interviewed by Shatner himself and featured in the new book. 'Hold onto your phasers,' Shatner wrote on his website. 'This isn't just a chance to own a piece of history: it's an opportunity to make history, to have your voice echo across the galaxy alongside mine.' Actor William Shatner, 94, Announces Personal News first appeared on Parade on Aug 7, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
William Shatner, 94, Issues Another Stern Warning & Fans Have Mixed Reactions
William Shatner, 94, Issues Another Stern Warning & Fans Have Mixed Reactions originally appeared on Parade. Actor William Shatner, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series, recently warned his social media followers. On July 17, Shatner took to his Instagram account to tell his followers he found "another scammer account pretending to be associated with [him]." Shatner also shared a screenshot of said account. "So if the account follows you; I advise you to block or at least restrict the account so they cannot contact you. I've reported the account but as it's not pretending to be me (just pretending to represent me) support may not remove the account. My best, Bill #bettertobesafethansorry," read a portion of the caption. Several fans thanked Shatner for the warning. "Thank you sir. Be well," wrote a commenter. "Thank you for the heads up. I guess those are the perks of being a famous actor," added another. "Thanks for keeping us updated very thoughtful of you mr shatner," shared a different person. Quite a few commenters, however, pointed out that the Instagram account seems to be a fan page for Shatner. "I think that's just a fan page sir," commented an Instagram user. "Just saying it does say 'fan page,'" added another. "I am pretty sure that is a fan page. It says in the title and having an avatar who is most definitely not even Mr Shatner...I highly doubt this is a 'fake' account," wrote a commenter. "Ok maybe this is just me but that's a fan account I don't think it's pretending to be you," shared a social media user. This is not the first time Shatner has warned his fans about potential scammers using his identity. For instance, on July 12, the 94-year-old actor highlighted a different Instagram account with the name " "Latest scam account pretending to be me. 🙄 Be aware!" wrote Shatner in the caption of the Instagram upload. William Shatner, 94, Issues Another Stern Warning & Fans Have Mixed Reactions first appeared on Parade on Jul 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 18, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
