Although it was early in my journalism career, I can remember coming up with two thoughts: Shatner was making fun of himself if he thought he could ever get out of the “Star Trek” gamble, and the possibility that it was unlikely to be associated with another hit of that magnitude.
As it turned out, I was right and wrong. Shatner will always be remembered for his iconic role of Captain Kirk. But he managed to make a third act in his career, which has been really impressive, somewhat leaning into the character’s swaggering, swashbuckling image and laughing at himself.
Directing, it turned out, didn’t represent Shatner’s future path. His opportunity to direct the fifth “Star Trek” film, “The Final Frontier”, was generally considered to be among the low points in the series.
Yet the actor joined several cleverly chosen vehicles, making the impossible transition from leading man – a mantra he still bore in the 1980 series “TJ Hooker” – to understanding second banana. , with supporting roles in films such as “Miss” Also hosted “Rescue 911”.
Shatner then cast as Denny Crane in his Emmy-winning part on “Boston Legal” on “The Practice,” a prolific, eccentric lawyer who enjoys a good cigar and claims to never have a case. Didn’t lose
Shatner also indulged in “Star Trek” jokes, as he did on that “SNL” sketch. This included the 2006 Comedy Central roast, where he endured one good-natured aftermath about his overacting and more.
This set the stage for his later life, starring in the short-lived but memorable sitcom “$#*! My Dad Says” and continuing to act, most recently in the independent comedy “Senior Moment” with Gene Smart. romanced. “
Nice effort, but we all know what the great banner Shatner is carrying with him. Yet what could easily have been his final frontier, as it turns out, was just the beginning of a journey that led him – boldly or otherwise – in directions the skeptics had not thought of.
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