William Shatner’s Quote on Good Deeds Offers a Different View of Legacy

A career across television and film

Shatner became widely known as James T. Kirk in the “Star Trek” franchise, but his television work ranged well beyond the role. His credits include “The Twilight Zone,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Columbo” and “T. J. Hooker.” He played attorney Denny Crane on “The Practice” and continued the role for five seasons of “Boston Legal.” His film appearances include “The Brothers Karamazov,” “Miss Congeniality,” “American Psycho 2” and several “Star Trek” films.

What Shatner says endures

Asked in a 2023 Variety interview what legacy he wanted to leave, Shatner questioned whether anyone can preserve one. He said that statues and headstones can be damaged and that people are eventually forgotten.

He instead pointed to the effects of good actions. Shatner said, “What does live on are good deeds,” and described their influence as something that can continue over time.

Reflections on truth and mortality

Shatner connected those ideas to “You Can Call Me Bill,” a documentary about his career, influences and interests. He told Variety he wanted the film to explore truths he had not expressed before, or to approach familiar thoughts in a new way.

He also reflected on the knowledge people gather as they age and the fact that life ends. In the interview, he wondered what to do with decades of observations if they would ultimately disappear.

A legacy of varied roles

Shatner has received two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award and four Saturn Awards. His recent television credits include “Psych,” “Private Eyes” and “Better Late Than Never.” His work also includes the “Star Trek” films and the role of Kirk, which the article describes as foundational to modern science fiction. Shatner’s reflections place more weight on the effects of one’s actions than on fame or remembrance.