On a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, legendary actor William Shatner made an appearance, captivating the audience with his anecdotes and witty banter. Shatner, best known for his role in Star Trek, discussed his new series ‘T.J. Hooker’ and the thrill of doing his own stunts.
As the interview started, Carson welcomed Shatner to the show amid applause from the audience. Shatner immediately shared that he was currently shooting his series and expressed his gratitude for having a successful run on television. He explained that while Star Trek had only aired for three seasons, it felt like it had been on forever due to the countless reruns.
Carson then delved into Shatner’s experience of doing stunts in movies and TV shows, especially in his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek. Shatner revealed that, during action scenes, he relied on storyboards and descriptions from the director to visualize the intensity of the scene. He acknowledged that it could be challenging for actors to react to imaginary elements in a scene, but with proper guidance, they could bring authenticity to their performances.
Switching gears, Carson mentioned that Shatner recently emceed a show at the Improv, a popular comedy club in Los Angeles. The Improv is notorious for showcasing young talent and is a breeding ground for aspiring comedians. Shatner shared that he performed an opening monologue, which was received well by the audience. He added a humorous touch by incorporating props like a nose, glasses, whistle, and a siren, to enhance the comedic effect.
Carson transitioned to a fascinating story about actor Richard Burton, who had the ability to elicit different emotions from the audience using the same dialogue. Carson was intrigued by this concept but questioned its applicability in the context of a play. Shatner concurred, stating that if a scene called for tears, making the audience laugh instead would be counterproductive.
The conversation then returned to Shatner’s current series, ‘T.J. Hooker,’ which was receiving positive feedback. Shatner expressed his pride in the show’s success and shared an upcoming episode titled ‘A Cry for Help.’ This episode was based on a real-life event that Shatner had encountered while working with a group called the Junior Justice Connection Project, which sought to address juvenile crime. The episode aimed to shed light on citizens’ concerns about juvenile crime in the face of budget cuts.
Carson commended Shatner’s commitment to realism in his performances, specifically his penchant for doing his own stunts. Shatner acknowledged that studios and networks often discouraged stars from performing stunts due to safety concerns. However, he firmly believed that his participation added excitement and realism to the scenes, capturing the audience’s attention. Shatner recalled a memorable stunt involving a small plane that ended up being partially performed by him, despite the studio’s initial reluctance.
The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Carson teased Shatner about the potential risks of his stunts. They indulged in a playful banter about newspaper headlines declaring “Johnny kills himself,” adding a touch of humor to the discussion.
The interview concluded with Carson asking Shatner about his encounters with real police officers due to his role as a policeman on ‘T.J. Hooker.’ Shatner revealed that he had interacted with several police officers and recognized their expertise and professionalism. He joked about their intimidating tactics, including wearing mirrored glasses and utilizing specific inflections to create a sense of authority.
To everyone’s surprise, Shatner shared a hilarious incident when he was stopped by a highway patrolman for speeding. With a quick wit, Shatner managed to charm the officer by amusingly explaining that he was rushing home to eliminate a mouse problem. The officer found the excuse too ridiculous to dispute and let him go with a laugh.
Carson and Shatner continued to share funny stories, rounding off the interview with laughter and applause. Shatner expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be on the show and thanked Carson for his warm hospitality.
As fans eagerly await the next episode of ‘T.J. Hooker,’ it is clear that William Shatner‘s charm and enthusiasm continue to captivate audiences both on and off the screen.
