William Shatner on being joyful in life

Since William Shatner turned 90 on March 22nd, fans have been asking how the actor could possibly have reached nine decades when he doesn’t look a day over sixty. He’s been asked the secret to long life and how he’s still working, and his honesty, when he spoke with Access Hollywood, shouldn’t come as a surprise to those of us who follow the candid, outspoken star on social media.

Busy with a recent movie release, an upcoming album called Love, Death, and Horses from Universal Records, a podcast he’s going to do, and horses and horse shows, Shatner says working is what he’s always done.  And he thinks if there’s a secret to any of this life, it’s staying busy, preferably with things you love.

The star says he is so joyful in his life with his family, his horses, his dogs, and his work. He adds that he’s been so lucky, and he really believes the universe has taken care of him.

"“Somehow, something goes wrong, and something else happens, and it’s better."

Shatner has been dedicated to his work for seven decades, and his joy in working is almost tangible. Whether it was Star Trek, T.J. Hooker, or Boston Legal, Shatner embodied the characters he portrayed and became them. One only has to watch his performance as Denny Crane on Boston Legal to know that is a man who was enjoying life with each episode.

Staying busy might certainly be part of the secret to longevity. And I wouldn’t be surprised if being joyful doesn’t play a big part in it as well. Whatever the reasons for Shatner’s long life, he has given us all something to aspire to. May we all be as busy and joyful as he is.