On Sunday, the New York Daily News’ cover blasted William Shatner as “Captain Jerk” for not attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral. Shatner, of course, played Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek” and Nimoy played his right-hand crew member, the half-human/half-Vulcan Mr. Spock.
“@NYDailyNews: An early look at tomorrow's front page. http://t.co/ZDjADxLW48 pic.twitter.com/ijdwAwDw14” I want to share this. Let's discuss it
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
Shatner, in an amazing public relations move, decided not to shy away from the controversy.
I chose to honor a commitment I made months ago to appear at a charitable fundraiser. A lot of money was raised. So here I am; tell me off.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
He then hosted a touching and personal Q&A on Twitter with fans about Nimoy using the hashtag #LeonardNimoy, which was trending in several cities Sunday. Shatner has more than 2 million followers on his account. Here are some of the most insightful answers.
Leonard and I seemed to be bound by fate to be friends. We were born 4 days apart. #LeonardNimoy
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
On fatherhood
“@jeanyreeny: @WilliamShatner #LeonardNimoy What kind of a dad was he?” The best. He was also an amazing uncle to my daughters.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
On being like Spock
“@UtleyLuke: was #LeonardNimoy anything like Spock in real life?” He was serious, practical but unlike Spock very warm and loving
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
On nicknames
“@AZGrobie: Is it true he disliked being called Len & other nicknames? #LeonardNimoy” I called him Lenny in private he never said anything,
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
On their friendship
“@andrsdtz: always loved #LeonardNimoy not only in ST but also as William Bell in Fringe. what was ur favorite role of him?” Friend
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
“@JoeyABC17: @WilliamShatner Any regrets with regard to your relationship with #LeonardNimoy?” That it couldn't have lasted a lot longer.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
“@pasutcliffe: What life lessons did you learn from each other? #LeonardNimoy” I learned to be more serious I think he learned to be less.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
On being divas
“@DavidJBradley1: @WilliamShatner who was the biggest on set Diva? You, #LeonardNimoy or DeForest Kelley?” Depended on the day. Mostly Me!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
Nimoy died of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at age 83. He had stopped smoking decades ago.
“@Chrisnova10: If Leonard could say something to all of us--right here, right now, what would he say? #LeonardNimoy” Don't smoke!
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 1, 2015
Shatner also retweeted this billboard.
Saw this a few minutes ago. I involuntarily gasped and had a hard time holding it together. #LeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/3XYy69gkGg
— Neil Shurley (@ThatNeilGuy) March 1, 2015
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