Star Trek's Untold Story: What Shatner Was *Really* Like!
Elinor Donahue, best known for her roles in classic television shows like Father Knows Best and The Andy Griffith Show, recently shared her experiences working on the original Star Trek series. Donahue guest-starred in the season 2 episode "Metamorphosis," playing Assistant Federation Commissioner Nancy Hedford.
In a new interview, Donahue, now 88, reminisced about her time on the iconic sci-fi show, particularly her interactions with William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk. While she didn't offer scathing criticism, her carefully chosen words hinted at a complex dynamic.
"Interesting," Says Donahue About Shatner
When asked about working with Shatner, Donahue diplomatically stated, "William Shatner was interesting, let’s put it that way." This carefully constructed response suggests that Shatner's personality might have been…unique. She shared most of her scenes with him, so the dynamic between the two actors was crucial to the episode's success.
Donahue also reflected on attending a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, noting the early emergence of the franchise as a cultural phenomenon. "You could see that that was going to have legs for a long time," she said, acknowledging the enduring legacy of the original series.
The Enduring Appeal of Star Trek
The original Star Trek, despite its brief three-season run from 1966 to 1969, continues to captivate audiences and inspire countless spin-offs, films, and series. The show's optimistic vision of the future and its exploration of complex social issues have cemented its place in television history.
- The original cast included Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, and George Takei.
- Guest stars like Elinor Donahue added depth and intrigue to the episodes.
- "Metamorphosis" explored themes of immortality and human connection.
While Donahue's comments about Shatner were understated, they offer a glimpse into the personalities behind the beloved characters of Star Trek and add another layer to the show's rich history.