Thescreescore – In a candid revelation that offers a poignant glimpse into the realities of aging in Hollywood, Star Trek icon William Shatner recently shared a deeply personal account of his late co-star, Christopher Plummer. The two Canadian legends, whose careers intertwined from their early days on the Montreal stage to their iconic on-screen clash in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, shared a bond that extended beyond the camera. Shatner’s reflections shed light on the profound changes he observed in Plummer during their final collaboration, offering a raw perspective on the passage of time.
Shatner, a guest on Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes’ podcast, "Dropping Names… And Other Things," recounted intimate dinners with Plummer during the filming of Star Trek VI. It was during these encounters that Shatner witnessed the subtle, yet undeniable, effects of advanced age on his esteemed colleague. "As he got older, he faded a little," Shatner mused, articulating a universal truth with striking honesty. He elaborated on the protective instincts that often develop with age, acknowledging the growing anxieties surrounding physical vulnerability – a sentiment he humorously exempted himself from, ever the showman.
The connection between Shatner and Plummer predated their interstellar confrontation. Decades before Plummer embodied the Shakespeare-quoting Klingon General Chang, Shatner served as his understudy in a 1950s production of Henry V. This early professional dynamic imbued their later work with a unique layer of shared history. Shatner, speaking to Variety after Plummer’s passing in February 2021 at 91, described him as "a great acquaintance" with a "tremendous, very dry sense of humor." He confessed to feeling a sense of obligation and deference to Plummer on the Star Trek VI set, recognizing his co-star’s elevated status in the acting world.
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Plummer’s portrayal of General Chang remains one of Star Trek‘s most memorable villainous turns. His theatrical gravitas and penchant for classical verse, a testament to his extensive stage training, brought a formidable intellectual foil to Shatner’s Captain Kirk. Shatner himself noted that Plummer’s "classic training was shown as he tackled a clever script," underscoring the depth and intensity Plummer brought to the role. Their on-screen chemistry, charged with a blend of rivalry and mutual respect, was undeniably electric, elevating The Undiscovered Country to a fan favorite.
Remarkably, at 95 years old, William Shatner defies the very "fading" he observed in Plummer. The indefatigable actor continues to pursue a dizzying array of passions, embodying a boundless curiosity that belies his years. From co-hosting the podcast "No Time But Now" with his daughter Melanie, to promoting his new book, "William Shatner… And You," and even venturing into heavy metal music, Shatner remains a tireless force. His upcoming appearance at New York Comic-Con to champion the documentary "The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World" further cements his enduring legacy.
Thirty-five years after their final collaboration, Shatner’s reflections on Christopher Plummer serve as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life, even for those who achieve immortality on screen. Their shared journey, from nascent stage actors to sci-fi legends, is a testament to the power of enduring talent and the bittersweet passage of time. Fans can revisit their iconic confrontation in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, currently streaming on Paramount+.
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