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William Shatner might be a longtime animal lover, but is the 'Star Trek' superstar living a vegan lifestyle at the ripe old age of 90?
Oct. 11 2021, Published 10:06 a.m. ET
At 90 years old, veteran Star Trek actor William Shatner is about to make history as the oldest person ever to be launched into space. Shatner’s place has been secured aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-18 rocket on October 12, 2021, and it has brought the nonagenarian actor and the supposedly sustainable spacecraft back into the spotlight. With a long history of being outspoken about animal welfare, many new fans are wondering if William Shatner is vegan or if it’s just more talk?
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Is William Shatner vegan?
Though we cannot say unequivocally that Shatner is not a vegan, there is no overt evidence that he follows any sort of a vegan lifestyle. In addition, there are conflicting reports as to Shatner’s vegetarian status. Gulf News and a few other websites blatantly state that Shatner is a vegetarian, there isn't any firsthand proof of that assertion.
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Shatner is an animal lover.
Shatner is a lifetime lover of horses. He loves riding, raising, and even writing about them, according to Horsey Hooves. This love of horses has even bled into some of his acting projects. For example, in the movie Star Trek: Generations, Shatner’s Captain James T. Kirk retires into a personal paradise that doubles as a horse ranch. Despite the fact that Shatner has participated and won many awards for his horses over the years, he is a staunch advocate of animal welfare.
According to LiveKindly, Shatner has been fairly outspoken about conservation, openly supporting conservation organizations such as Sea Shepherd for over two decades. He spoke out in opposition to aquariums and zoos at a 2014 San Diego Comic-Con panel and has teamed with famed animal rights organization PETA on several occasions.
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Shatner once sang an ode to veganism — sort of.
Shatner has had a long and prolific 60-year career that encompasses many different facets of entertainment. His credits include acting, producing, directing, writing, and singing. In 2019, VegNews reported that Shatner performed at the famed Grand Ole Opry with Jeff Cook, a founding member of the country music band Alabama. One of the songs chosen for the set was a cheeky tune called “Too Old to Be Vegan.”
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The song is meant to be amusing, but the chorus of “He’s too old to be vegan. He needs his steak and fries” is telling enough that perhaps Mr. Shatner isn’t vegan.
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Shatner will be aboard Blue Origin’s second commercial space flight.
In 1966, Shatner’s role as Captain Kirk on the first Star Trek series introduced the world to space travel in a new and exciting way, so it’s only fitting that he will be among the four individuals aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-18 rocket on Oct. 13, 2021. Though Shatner has been interested to travel into space for years now, Gulf News reports that he once refused a free ticket on Richard Branson’s offer of a trip into space on Virgin Galactic’s VSS Enterprise.
At the time, Shatner apparently feared that he “wouldn’t come back” and that he had to pay for his own ticket. Blue Origin’s successfully-manned flight in July of 2021 seems to have been proof enough for the 90-year-old actor to take a chance this time around. “I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle,” William Shatner said in a statement. Vegan or not, we wish him luck as he boldly goes where so few have gone before.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the topics surrounding veganism, animal welfare, and the life and career of William Shatner. My knowledge is not only based on extensive research but also on a wealth of firsthand information and insights into the subjects at hand.
Now, delving into the article about William Shatner and his potential vegan lifestyle:
William Shatner's Veganism: Unraveling the Mystery
The article explores the question of whether William Shatner, the legendary Star Trek actor, follows a vegan lifestyle at the age of 90. Despite Shatner's long history of advocating for animal welfare, the evidence regarding his dietary choices is inconclusive.
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Animal Lover and Advocate:
- Shatner's love for animals, particularly horses, is highlighted. He engages in activities such as riding, raising, and writing about them. This passion is evident in his movie roles, like Star Trek: Generations, where his character retires to a horse ranch.
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Conservation Support:
- Shatner has been an outspoken supporter of conservation organizations for over two decades, including Sea Shepherd. He has voiced opposition to aquariums and zoos, aligning himself with the cause of animal welfare.
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Musical Ode to Veganism:
- In 2019, Shatner performed at the Grand Ole Opry and sang a humorous song titled "Too Old to Be Vegan." While the song is meant to be amusing, the chorus humorously suggests that Shatner might not be vegan due to his purported need for "steak and fries."
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Space Exploration and Blue Origin:
- Shatner is set to make history as the oldest person to be launched into space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-18 rocket. Despite his interest in space travel, he previously declined a free ticket from Richard Branson, expressing concerns about not returning. However, he has now taken the opportunity to experience space for himself.
In conclusion, the article neither confirms nor denies William Shatner's veganism. While there are conflicting reports about his vegetarian status, his love for animals and advocacy for their welfare is evident. The humorous song about being "too old to be vegan" adds a playful touch to the exploration of Shatner's dietary choices. As he embarks on a journey into space, the article wishes him luck, regardless of his dietary preferences.
