Was There Ever Tension Between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy on Set?

Yes, there was a certain level of tension between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy during the filming of the Star Trek original series. While both were friends, their egos often clashed, leading to some friction on set.

Shatner's Ego and Resentment

Shatner, the leading man and star of the show, did face some resentment from his co-stars, including Nimoy. For instance, Shatner's ego was hurt when he realized that Nimoy received ten times the fan mail he did. This ego boost for Nimoy was largely perceived as unfair to Shatner, given that Shatner was the designated star.

Shatner, known for his lack of tact and abrasive nature, often let his insecurities get the best of him. He could sometimes be difficult to work with, which only fueled the feelings of resentment among the cast. Despite this, Shatner himself admitted that he was at times a "jerk" during the series.

Nimoy’s Perspective

Nimoy, in his autobiography, presented a different perspective. He remembered Shatner as the worst trickster and punster on set. A famous incident involved Nimoy's bicycle, which Shatner had more than once hung from the ceiling due to its cost to keep on the lot. Shatner, perhaps in characteristic fashion, used this incident to play a prank on Nimoy.

Friendship and Resonance

While the tension was palpable at times, Shatner and Nimoy maintained a friendship that stood the test of time. After the series, they made amends and continued to be friends up until Nimoy's passing. However, their relationship may not have been as close as some fans would have wished. Nimoy preferred a quieter, more private life, while Shatner thrived in the spotlight.

The Role of Humor and Fake Anger

Shatner and Nimoy were known to engage in playful pranks and even 'fake' arguments. Nimoy admitted that Shatner often toweled away his car, forcing Nimoy to keep a bicycle on set for convenience. The cast, including Shatner and Nimoy, often pretended to be angry, and these 'shouting matches' became a regular part of their on-set dynamic. By the time the movies began, the regular cast members were so accustomed to these staged disagreements that they hardly blinked an eye.

In conclusion, while there was certainly tension between William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy during the filming of Star Trek, their friendship endured beyond the boundary of ego and personal conflicts. This dynamic is part of the rich tapestry of Star Trek's legacy, showcasing both the professional and personal dimensions of these iconic actors.