William Shatner Blasts Star Trek Re-Runs: "I Didn't Get a Dime

The Unseen Star: William Shatner's Surprising Secret As the iconic Captain James T. Kirk, William Shatner has beamed his way into the hearts of fans worldwide with his charismatic presence and unforgettable performances in the original Star Trek series. But behind the scenes, a surprising truth about Shatner's relationship with the franchise has been hiding in plain sight – or rather, not-so-plain sight. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the 94-year-old actor revealed that he never earned a penny from reruns of the original Star Trek series. "Nobody knew about reruns," Shatner explained matter-of-factly, as if it were a quaint relic of the past. But what's even more astonishing is that syndication royalties didn't exist until after the show ended in 1969. "It was like a secret nobody wanted to talk about," said Shatner with a chuckle. "The concept of syndication only came in after 'Star Trek' was canceled when someone from the unions said: 'Wait a minute, you're replaying all those films, those shows.' There was a big strike. But in the end, the unions secured residual fees shortly after 'Star Trek' finished, so I didn't benefit." This revelation raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity about the inner workings of the entertainment industry. How could such a beloved franchise have been overlooked when it came to residuals? Was it simply an oversight or a deliberate choice? Industry insiders point out that during the 1960s, television syndication was still in its infancy, and the concept of residual payments for actors wasn't widely understood or implemented. "It's not surprising that Shatner didn't earn any money from reruns," says entertainment lawyer Michael Donaldson. "The union contracts at the time were pretty basic, and it took a while for the industry to catch up with the changing landscape of television." But what about Shatner's own feelings on the matter? Does he feel like he missed out on an opportunity to cash in on his iconic role? Not according to him. "I'm not bitter," he said with a shrug. "I've been fortunate enough to have had a long and successful career, and I don't need the money." In fact, Shatner's aversion to watching himself on screen is almost as legendary as his performances. "I've never seen another 'Star Trek' and I've seen as few 'Star Treks' of the show I was on, I've seen as few as possible," he confessed to Entertainment Tonight. "I don't like to look at myself, and I've never seen any other. I love it, I think it's great. I just don't, you know, I don't watch television, per se." This paradox – of Shatner being both deeply invested in the franchise and yet detached from its commercial success – speaks volumes about his unique personality and perspective on fame. As a cultural icon, he has transcended the boundaries between actor and character, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. As we reflect on Shatner's remarkable career and legacy, it's clear that his impact extends far beyond the screen. He has inspired generations of fans with his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unapologetic individuality. And even if he didn't earn a penny from reruns, his influence will continue to beam brightly for years to come. The Unseen Star: A Legacy that Transcends In the end, Shatner's story is less about what he earned or didn't earn and more about the enduring power of Star Trek itself. As a cultural phenomenon, it has become an integral part of our collective consciousness – a symbol of hope, exploration, and human connection. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: William Shatner's legacy will continue to inspire new generations of fans, even if he never saw a single episode of his own work. *Based on reporting by News.*