The cast of Star Trek in 1991, with Takei pictured top left, and Shatner bottom row, second from right
(Picture: Five)Star Trek actor George Takei branded his co-star William Shatner a “cantankerous old man” and “vowed” to never speak about him publicly again.
The legendary actor, 85, starred as Hikaru Sulu in the original 1960s sci-fi television series set aboard the Starship Enterprise opposite Shatner, 91.
Previously, Takei has branded the Canadian star a “prima donna” to work with and once again acknowledged the state of their relationship during an upcoming appearance on the Graham Norton Show.
When asked about his rumoured feud with Shatner, he responded: “You are the last chat show host to be allowed to ask that question as it has become so tiresome to talk about.
“When Bill has a book to sell he needs publicity and accuses us of using him. My subject is more substantial and important.
“He is a cantankerous old man and I will not talk about him any more. I vow that this is the very last time I talk about him.”
Shatner recently told The Times he had had enough of his former Star Trek co-star making public comments about how difficult he had been to work with.
He said: “I began to understand that they were doing it for publicity. Sixty years after some incident they are still on that track.
“Don’t you think that’s a little weird? It’s like a sickness.
“George has never stopped blackening my name. These people are bitter and embittered. I have run out of patience with them. Why give credence to people consumed by envy and hate?”
On the episode due to be screened tonight (December 2), Takei also spoke to Norton about the iconic sci-fi series’s beginnings and admitted he didn’t think the show would last past the pilot.
The Hollywood star said: “After the pilot episode, I was asked what I thought and I said that I didn’t think it would sell or be a lasting show because I smelt quality – I loved the scripts, everyone was great, it was a great idea – and every time I saw a show I really love, it only lasted one season.
“How wrong I was!”
The Graham Norton Show, BBC One, Friday, December 2, 10.40pm. Also available on BBC iPlayer.
