William Shatner: The Man Who Keeps On Exploring

Prof. Kacie Fay 19 May 2025

At 92 years young, William Shatner is a testament to living life with boundless energy and enthusiasm. This legendary actor shows no signs of slowing down, with an impressive lineup of TV and film projects, a brand-new album, and a thriving concert tour. He’s someone who truly knows how to make the most out of every moment.

When I asked William about his philosophy on life, he told me something truly inspiring. In his book, Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder, one of his key takeaways is simple yet profound: say yes to life and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. “You’ll always regret the things you didn’t do,” William told Closer in an exclusive interview. It’s a mindset that fuels his unstoppable spirit.

William Shatner Hosting ‘Stars on Mars’: 'Interesting' — Brook Rushton/FOX

Shatner's New Adventure: Hosting Stars on Mars

This enthusiasm for saying “yes” is exactly why William agreed to take on the role of host for Stars on Mars, a brand-new competition series on FOX. The show features 12 celebrities—names you know and love like Lance Armstrong, Natasha Leggero, Marshawn Lynch, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Adam Rippon, Ronda Rousey, Tom Schwartz, Ariel Winter, Tallulah Willis, Tinashe, Richard Sherman, and Porsha Williams—who are sent on a simulated mission to Mars. The goal? To see who can survive the longest under these challenging conditions.

When I mentioned the show's title to William, his eyes lit up. “Stars on Mars? Now that’s catchy!” he exclaimed. “The whole concept is vivid and captivating. I thought, ‘Wow, this sounds fascinating. Tell me more!’ And the producers didn’t disappoint. They told me about the sets, which are located in the Australian desert—a place that looks remarkably similar to Mars itself.”

William’s fascination with space exploration runs deep. He’s spent a lot of time filming at the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) in Los Angeles, where he’s been exposed to incredible footage captured by the Mars Rover. “They put me in these virtual reality goggles, and suddenly, I was walking on Mars!” he shared with excitement. “Everywhere I turned, I could see the incredible landscape the Rover had captured. It was breathtaking. So when I stepped onto the set in Australia, it felt incredibly authentic—like stepping onto the red planet itself.”