William Shatner has been part of Hollywood for the better part of five decades, but the Star Trek actor said he never got used to seeing himself on the big screen.
Famous for his roles as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek and lawyer Denny Crain on Boston Legal , Shatner said he avoids seeing himself whenever he can.
“Ever look at pictures of yourself at 20 and you’re like, ‘Oh, (profanity)’?” Shatner told the Detroit Free Press . “Imagine me looking at all those moving pictures of me from all those years ago. You get the idea?”
That could be a big problem, given that the 83-year-old actor shows no signs of slowing down in his career. He is the face of Priceline.com, appearing on the company’s commercials, and is quite active with public appearances.
This week, the Calgary Stampede announced that the Canadian actor would be serving as the Grand Marshall for this year’s event. Shatner said he’s been to Calgary plenty of times, but this will be his first time at the Calgary Stampede.
“Shatner’s Hollywood credentials are just part of the reason we thought he would be a great choice as our 2014 Parade Marshal,” said Bob Thompson, president and chairman of the board, Calgary Stampede. “He has an unparalleled passion for horses which we thought would be a great fit for us. I can’t wait to kick off the Calgary Stampede with him in the year of the horse.”
Despite his legend status in Hollywood, Shatner said he struggles to see himself as the icon others believe him to be.
“Being an icon, that hasn’t any reality to me,” Shatner told the Free Press . “You and I are talking and… it doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. Doesn’t everybody do this? I’ve been at it so long that being an actor, being part of this publicity campaign and being asked questions is my work. I don’t think of it as being an icon.”
Even if it may be uncomfortable for him to watch, William Shatner is maintaining a strong connection to his signature role. He is set to appear at the annual Destination Star Trek convention, set for October.
