William Shatner Rejects TV Show Role: “Too Much for Me”
William Shatner, the iconic actor famous for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, recently declined an opportunity to participate in the reality TV show Dancing with the Stars. At 94, Shatner has a wealth of options at his disposal but stated that the show would require “too much” commitment.
William Shatner’s Career and Recent Ventures
Shatner continues to be a prolific figure in entertainment. His latest project includes a spoken-word album titled Bill, which was crafted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborators on the album include notable artists such as Brad Paisley, John Lurie, and Joe Jonas.
The album, released by Jonas’s Let’s Get It! Records and Republic Records, showcases Shatner’s personal history through poetic narratives. Shatner worked remotely with his team, utilizing phone calls and Zoom for collaboration during the pandemic.
Shatner’s Thoughts on Dancing with the Stars
In a conversation with AV Club, Shatner expressed admiration for Dancing with the Stars and its host, Tom Bergeron. He recalled how he was invited to participate many times but ultimately turned down the offer due to time constraints, stating, “I was busy. They needed like three months; it was too much.”
- Oldest Contestant: Cloris Leachman, 82 years old.
- Youngest Contestant: Willow Shields, 14 years old.
Shatner’s age and the physical demands of the show influenced his decision. The actor famously went to space at 90 years old, where he described his experience as filled with “overwhelming sadness,” prompting reflections on humanity’s impact on the planet in his book Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder.
Final Thoughts
Despite his declining the invitation, Shatner is still very much a creative force, open to diverse opportunities. As he approaches his mid-nineties, there remains a possibility that he may explore such a physical challenge in the future.
