William Shatner has shared a touching memory of his late friend and former Star Trek co-star Christopher Plummer, reflecting on the changes he noticed as the legendary actor grew older. The two performers shared a connection that stretched back decades, long before they reunited on the big screen in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.
According to ScreenRant, Now 95, Shatner recently opened up about their friendship during an appearance on Dropping Names… And Other Things, a podcast hosted by fellow Star Trek stars Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes. What began as a conversation about their memorable performances eventually turned into a thoughtful reflection on aging, vulnerability, and the passage of time.
William Shatner Recalls Watching Christopher Plummer Grow Older
During the podcast, Spiner asked Shatner about working with Plummer on the 1991 science fiction film, in which the late actor portrayed the Klingon General Chang opposite Shatner’s Captain James T. Kirk. The conversation brought back memories of their time together, including several dinners they shared over the years. However, Shatner also remembered noticing changes in his longtime friend as he aged. “As he got older, he faded a little,” the actor recalled, before reflecting on how growing older can make people increasingly cautious about their surroundings and physical limitations.
Shatner explained that aging can bring concerns about falling, needing assistance, and navigating everyday activities that once seemed effortless. He suggested that these experiences can make people more protective of themselves as they become aware of their changing abilities. Despite the serious nature of his observations, the actor maintained his familiar sense of humor, ending his reflection with the playful remark, “Except me.” Plummer, who was three years older than Shatner, died in February 2021 at age 91.
Remembering Their Early Friendship and ‘Star Trek VI’ Reunion
Long before their Hollywood success, both Canadian actors began developing their theatrical careers in Montreal during the 1950s. Shatner once served as Plummer’s understudy in a production of William Shakespeare’s Henry V. When Plummer fell ill, the younger performer stepped into the leading role for a performance, gaining an important opportunity early in his career. Their paths eventually separated as each pursued acting projects that would establish them as recognizable figures in entertainment.
Decades later, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country brought the former stage colleagues together again, this time as adversaries in one of the franchise’s most memorable cinematic adventures. Plummer’s commanding portrayal of General Chang provided a formidable opponent for Captain Kirk, while their shared theatrical background added another dimension to the reunion. Beyond Star Trek, Plummer enjoyed an extraordinary career that included his beloved role as Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music and an Academy Award-winning performance in Beginners. Shatner’s recent recollection offers a more personal glimpse of their long association, reminding fans that behind two legendary screen careers was a friendship shaped by decades of shared history.
