William Shatner: Star Trek Icon at 94, Still Captivating the World
WILLIAM SHATNER, 94, LOOKS YOUNG AND VITAL AS HE SHOPS FOR FURNITURE IN LOS ANGELES - BUT IS THIS CANADIAN STAR FINALLY FINDING THE SECRET TO IMMORTALITY?
The one and only William Shatner was spotted looking sharp as ever in Los Angeles on Tuesday, leaving fans wondering if this 94-year-old star is really slowing down. The legendary actor, known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek TV series, was seen browsing furniture at Aroma Coffee & Tea in Tujunga Village with a friend.
But what's even more interesting than Shatner's latest shopping spree is the revolutionary technology he's been using to immortalize himself - and it's got everyone talking! The Canadian star has reportedly used StoryFile, an innovative AI company that creates lifelike, interactive 3D avatars of people after they're gone. These avatars can share memories, answer questions, and even engage in conversations just like a real person.
Shatner is not alone in this endeavor - philanthropist Michael Staenberg has also used StoryFile to immortalize his experiences and personality. But what's remarkable about Shatner's decision to use this technology is that it comes after he revealed his secret to staying young and full of energy: staying engaged in life, staying curious, and having a healthy body. In an interview last year, Shatner credited his wife Elizabeth with keeping him young, saying "My wife... she is the zest of life. She brings the flavor."
But now it seems like Shatner has discovered an even more powerful tool to cheat death: technology that allows people to live on after they're gone. And it's not just for the rich and famous - a new app launching this summer will make it possible for everyday people to record their own AI avatars for less than the cost of a monthly cellphone plan.
This raises all sorts of questions about what it means to be alive, and how we can preserve our memories and personalities even after we're gone. And Shatner's decision to use StoryFile has sparked a whole new conversation about the future of human existence - is this the key to immortality?
But don't just take our word for it! The technology behind StoryFile uses generative AI, similar to ChatGPT, to create avatars that can respond dynamically to questions. These avatars have already been used in museums to preserve the voices of historical figures like WWII veterans and Holocaust survivors.
And Shatner's not the only one who's been using this technology - terminally ill individuals have also used it to connect with their loved ones after they're gone. It's a truly revolutionary concept that challenges everything we thought we knew about life, death, and what happens in between.
But back to Shatner - his latest documentary, "You Can Call Me Bill," which was released on Prime Video last year, explores the actor's life story and legacy as Captain Kirk. And it seems like this film has inspired a whole new generation of fans - including Paul Wesley, who plays Lt. Kirk in the Paramount Plus series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds."
Wesley recently revealed that he made a conscious decision to create his own interpretation of Kirk, rather than imitating Shatner's iconic performance. And it seems like Shatner himself gave Wesley his blessing - tweeting him with words of encouragement and saying "Take care of my crew and my ship." It was a truly heartwarming moment for the actor.
So what does this all mean for William Shatner, 94? Is he finally finding the secret to immortality? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure - this Canadian star is still going strong, and his legacy as Captain Kirk continues to inspire new generations of fans around the world.
Sources:
- The Scholarly Note, "William Shatner Spotted Shopping in Los Angeles" (2023)
- People, "William Shatner Reveals His Secret to Staying Young" (2022)
- Variety, "William Shatner Makes Documentary About His Life" (2023)
- CBS News, "Paul Wesley on Playing Lt. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" (2023)
