Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies

TrekToday · May 12 2008, 10:56 PM

Up Till Now: The Autobiography, William Shatner's newest book, explains that Shatner and his co-star Leonard Nimoy didn't always share the friendship that they do today.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Shatner was jealous of Nimoy's growing popularity. "I've often heard it said that acting is not a competitive sport, but never by actors," said Shatner. "The truth is, every good actor has an ego. I was supposed to be the star but Leonard was getting more attention than I was. It bothered me."

Nimoy wasn't always thrilled with Shatner's antics either. He was annoyed when Shatner, to protect his "little makeup secrets", ordered a photographer out of the make-up room. According to Nimoy, "It [The photographer's presence] was approved by Roddenberry. It was approved by the head of the studio. It was approved by publicity."

And Shatner's sense of humor got him in trouble with Nimoy too. After Shatner's father passed away, when Shatner returned to the set to film a scene, the set was somber. "I wanted to relieve the tension and let people know I was OK," said Shatner. In a mind-meld scene between Nimoy and the Horta (Star Trek: The Devil in the Dark), Shatner encouraged Nimoy to redo the scene. When Nimoy did so, screaming "pain, pain, pain," Shatner joked, "Can somebody get this guy an aspirin?" thinking that everyone would laugh. Nimoy however, was furious, thinking that Shatner had used him for the amusement of others.

The two became best friends over time, with Nimoy, a recovering alcoholic, trying to help Shatner's wife Nerine, even taking her to Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings. Nerine died in 1999 in a drowning accident.

To read more, head to the article located here.

Augustus · May 13 2008, 05:23 AM

Can somebody get this guy an aspirin??

Well at least shatner is funny

The Squire of Gothos · May 13 2008, 11:03 AM

I came in here to repeat that one too

Sad to hear about Nimoy passing out from spirits on a Saturday afternoon in his prime.

Pioneer · May 13 2008, 04:16 PM

I'm surprised that The Shat was man enough to admit he was jealous of Nimoy. First I've heard of Nimoy being an alcoholic, though. Must've been out the day that little news item was released.

Shatner is a funny guy. Almost to the point of being silly sometimes. Canadians! They walk among us with their floppy heads politely telling jokes.

Augustus · May 13 2008, 06:00 PM

True he has gotten pretty funny in his advanced years...

OmahaStar · May 14 2008, 01:24 AM

How many autobiographies has the man had now? One in the 70s, then Star Trek Memories and Movie Memories and Get a Life and now this? Ego, much?

137th Gebirg · May 15 2008, 08:07 PM

The "Bridge on the Captain" line is hysterical, but I agree it would have likely taken from the "drama" that was created by the scene.

The part about his wife who died is heart-wrenching. I can't imagine going through that.

As far as ego? Well, the man has lived a full life and he has stories to tell. If those stories help others find some meaning or enjoyment in life, what does it truly matter?

May 12 2008, 10:56 PM	#1
TrekToday Rear Admiral	Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies Up Till Now: The Autobiography, William Shatner's newest book, explains that Shatner and his co-star Leonard Nimoy didn't always share the friendship that they do today. As reported by the Daily Mail, Shatner was jealous of Nimoy's growing popularity. "I've often heard it said that acting is not a competitive sport, but never by actors," said Shatner. "The truth is, every good actor has an ego. I was supposed to be the star but Leonard was getting more attention than I was. It bothered me." Nimoy wasn't always thrilled with Shatner's antics either. He was annoyed when Shatner, to protect his "little makeup secrets", ordered a photographer out of the make-up room. According to Nimoy, "It [The photographer's presence] was approved by Roddenberry. It was approved by the head of the studio. It was approved by publicity." And Shatner's sense of humor got him in trouble with Nimoy too. After Shatner's father passed away, when Shatner returned to the set to film a scene, the set was somber. "I wanted to relieve the tension and let people know I was OK," said Shatner. In a mind-meld scene between Nimoy and the Horta (Star Trek: The Devil in the Dark), Shatner encouraged Nimoy to redo the scene. When Nimoy did so, screaming "pain, pain, pain," Shatner joked, "Can somebody get this guy an aspirin?" thinking that everyone would laugh. Nimoy however, was furious, thinking that Shatner had used him for the amusement of others. The two became best friends over time, with Nimoy, a recovering alcoholic, trying to help Shatner's wife Nerine, even taking her to Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings. Nerine died in 1999 in a drowning accident. To read more, head to the article located here.

May 13 2008, 05:23 AM	#2
Augustus Fleet Captain Location: Sadly, not in Texas	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies Can somebody get this guy an aspirin?? Well at least shatner is funny __________________ I don't know... I didn't go.

May 13 2008, 11:03 AM	#3
The Squire of Gothos Rear Admiral Location: Northern Ireland	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies I came in here to repeat that one too Sad to hear about Nimoy passing out from spirits on a Saturday afternoon in his prime. __________________ The Squire of Gothos

May 13 2008, 04:16 PM	#4
Pioneer Captain	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies I'm surprised that The Shat was man enough to admit he was jealous of Nimoy. First I've heard of Nimoy being an alcoholic, though. Must've been out the day that little news item was released. Shatner is a funny guy. Almost to the point of being silly sometimes. Canadians! They walk among us with their floppy heads politely telling jokes. __________________ Looking to build Element #137 (Feynmanium)

May 13 2008, 06:00 PM	#5
Augustus Fleet Captain Location: Sadly, not in Texas	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies True he has gotten pretty funny in his advanced years... __________________ I don't know... I didn't go.

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May 14 2008, 01:24 AM	#6
OmahaStar Disrespectful of his betters Location: OmahaStar	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies How many autobiographies has the man had now? One in the 70s, then Star Trek Memories and Movie Memories and Get a Life and now this? Ego, much? __________________ "Sorry. Wrong movie, buddy."

May 15 2008, 08:07 PM	#7
137th Gebirg Rear Admiral Location: Who is John Galt?	Re: Shatner And Nimoy Weren't Always Best Buddies The "Bridge on the Captain" line is hysterical, but I agree it would have likely taken from the "drama" that was created by the scene. The part about his wife who died is heart-wrenching. I can't imagine going through that. As far as ego? Well, the man has lived a full life and he has stories to tell. If those stories help others find some meaning or enjoyment in life, what does it truly matter? __________________ Gebirgswick - Ind, Tra, Sec & Env.