William Shatner, the iconic star of Star Trek, recently opened up about his financial experience during the series’ early days. In a candid interview, he revealed that despite his star status as Captain James T. Kirk, he did not earn any royalties from the show’s reruns in the 1970s.
Shatner explained that when Star Trek aired from 1966 to 1969, no one really understood the potential of reruns or syndication. It was only after the show was canceled that the concept of re-airing old episodes began to take shape. “Nobody knew about re-runs,” he said, adding that union members pushed for residual fees shortly after the show’s run ended. Unfortunately for him, he benefited little from these changes.
Reflecting on his career, Shatner noted that although he could hardly make ends meet at the start, the original Star Trek series was a significant boost in his earnings. However, he still struggled financially at that time due to personal challenges, including a divorce and the responsibility of raising three children. He eventually found some stability as work began to flow in during the 1970s.
Shatner also shared his creative approach to making a living after Star Trek canceled. He assembled a touring company on the East Coast, performing a one-set play throughout the summer. This venture allowed him to fill theaters and earn a decent income.
Throughout his career, Shatner has revisited the role of Captain Kirk in various films and series, including Star Trek: The Animated Series. Now at 94, he continues to engage with his fans and recently announced an upcoming book titled William Shatner…And You. As he reflects on his journey, it’s clear that while his early financial struggles were tough, they ultimately shaped a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry.
