Starship Trooper

William Shatner is still searching the final frontier

For more than three decades—from the halcyon days as Captain Kirk on Star Trek to his latest incarnation, as a best-selling author—William Shatner has been a steady presence on the pop-culture radar screen. This month, as Shatner publishes his 18th science-fiction novel, Step into Chaos, GEORGE WAYNE speaks with the ageless icon in Los Angeles about the secret to his longevity, and life after the Enterprise.

George Wayne: Over the past week I have been prepping for our meeting by watching those vintage 60s Trekkie episodes on the SciFi Channel. And now here you are today, still looking as bronzed and buffed as ever! Tell me, Bill, how does one generate longevity?

William Shatner: Well, thanks, I appreciate the thought. It's called taking care of the inner and outer body. The feeling of satisfaction I had this morning, playing a really hard hour of tennis, in the morning cold, and breaking a sweat. I had such a feeling of I try and play as much tennis as I I try to ride my horses as many times as possible. And watch what I eat.

G.W.As you suggested we meet at a sushi bar, it is obvious that you love to eat fish.

W.S. I love fish, and you will love this sushi.

G.W.But you are a notorious fish eater, aren't you?

W.S. You're a bad boy.

G.W.So I'm told But which wily agent approached you with the idea of William Shatner evolving into a science-fiction writer, here as the 21st century dawns upon us?

W.S. You're quite astute: it was a wily agent—his name is Carmen La Via.

He suggested to me a long time ago to write a book about my Star Trek experiences. And so I did, and it became a best-seller. And I began to write, and write, and write.

G.W.But do you actually write these books, or does someone else do all the dirty work and you just put your name on it? W.S. No, that is not the case here, although I work with different people on the different books.

G.W.During those major days of the TV Star Trek, what was your behind-the-scenes relationship with Leonard Nimoy—Mr. Spock? Was there any battle of egos between you two?

W.S. Today, at our age, the term "best friends" sounds adolescent. But he is one of the dearest men in my life. Back in the Star Trek days, we never really were friends. I do remember, when Spock became popular, being concerned that I was being overshadowed in the series. But that wasn't Leonard's fault, and it worked itself out. After a while we learned to respect and love each other.

G.W.The stories of the swarthy Lothario who is ''Captain Kirk"—William Shatner—are legendary. You've had to have tagged your fair share of groupies.

W.S. Never did the groupies.

G.W.What about the co-stars?

W.S.[Long pause.] There was difficulty involved with all of that.

G.W.You're telling G.W. that during the halcyon days of Star Trek you weren't getting any in your trailer?

W.S. [Laughs.] Don't pull your punches, Geoige. I'd love to tell you that it was one sexual Olympiad, but I was working 15 hours a day. I can't say I didn't try to, but I was always being called to the set.

G.W.But it's a Hollywood thing. Every actor has on-set love scandals at some point or another. W.S. I'm not sure that they do. I think there is more said about it than it is in reality. G.W.Who is your current "trophy" wife? W.S. She is a trophy wife, a former model, and her name is Nerine Kidd. I met her in Toronto when I was directing a film, and she had a small part in it. G.W.Hello?!!! What were we just talking about?! That says it all.

W.S. Ybu're too cynical for me. G.W.Well, all G.W has to say to that is: after sitting for interviews for more than 40 years you obviously are quite adept at tiptoeing through the tulips, or the minefields! W.S. You too!