'I don't have long to live': William Shatner, 92, plans his own funeral and leaves close ones shattered
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: William Shatner should be cherishing the twilight years of his life as his ex-wife, Elizabeth Shatner, is back with him and he looks to be in pretty good shape for his age as he turned 92 on Wednesday, March 22. However, the 'Star Trek' actor is apparently spooking his friends by obsessing over his death and making plans for his own funeral.
Those close to the legendary actor aren't sure what to do about his grim outlook on life. It's worth noting that Shatner became the oldest person to fly into space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin in October 2021. However, after what was supposed to be an exhilarating experience, the actor described it as "among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered" in his book, ‘Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder'. "The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness," he added.
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'It's become a mini-obsession'
"Bill insists he's just being practical, but it's tough to see him brainstorming the type of funeral he wants, who'll be invited, and whether he can get his ashes scattered in the heavens and alongside his beloved horses. It's become a mini-obsession," a source told Radar Online. "Elizabeth especially is begging him to stop being so depressing — she's counting on being with him for a lot of years yet," the insider spilled.
Captain Kirk recently confirmed he has reconciled with his horse trainer wife, 64, after the pair finalized their divorce in 2020. "He feels great now and seems to have most of his faculties, but knows he'll need someone to take care of him when he becomes feeble," revealed the insider cited earlier.
'I don't have long to live'
Shatner notably had a morbid outlook while discussing his upcoming documentary, 'You Can Call Me Bill'. "I've turned down a lot of offers to do documentaries before, but I don't have long to live," he said. Shatner added, "Whether I keel over as I'm speaking to you or 10 years from now, my time is limited, so that’s very much a factor. I’ve got grandchildren. This documentary is a way of reaching out after I die.”
The veteran star went on to say that through the documentary he is “trying to discover something I’ve never said before or to find a way to say something I’ve said before in a different way, so I can explore that truth further. I read all the time — newspapers and books. I’m feeding my mind. The sad thing is that the older a person gets the wiser they become and then they die with all that knowledge. And it’s gone. It’s not like I’m going to take my ideas or my clothing with me.”
The ‘Star Trek’ star also reflected on death from an actor’s point of view. “There was a time when actors, and I include myself in this, would portray death by falling to the ground and your eyes would flicker and you’d slump around and then you’re dead. That’s not how you die," Shatner added.
'He doesn't want the bad blood anymore'
Meanwhile, in his forthcoming album, 'Live at the Kennedy Center', the Hollywood star sang about wanting to be a tree after death. "Plant a tree instead of a tombstone and nature continues. It's all a part of life and the anticipation of death, which sharpens your awareness for life," he crooned.
Shatner has also been trying to make amends with past enemies, with sources claiming he was contemplating launching a truce with 'Star Trek' castmate George Takei. "Bill has been reaching out to try and mend fences," an insider said. "He doesn't want the bad blood anymore, and word is George is open to it." The star's new outlook on life is "better late than never," especially after his rendezvous with outer space.