William Shatner returned to Earth with a ton of congratulations waiting for him.
William Shatner has officially broken the record for the oldest man in space and the world of Twitter may give him a second world record today; the most congratulated man on Earth. While that’s more hyperbole than anything actually bout to happen, Shatner did receive a fair amount of congratulations after returning to Earth.
Everyone was in full force, from representatives of Star Trek, the sports world, music, and even real scientists got in on the congratulations. It should be noted that Shatner didn’t go up alone but he is arguably the most popular and famous person to go up into space, maybe ever.
So let’s look at some of the people who sent congratulations to Shatner on the biggest day of probably his whole life.
Legends of Star Trek and sports alike congratulated Shatner
Brent Spiner, a Star Trek alum from the Next Generation of shows was among the many to congratulate Shatner. Spiner played Data for nearly 20 years.
Huge Congratulations to @WilliamShatner You should do it again every ten years!
— Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) October 13, 2021
Anson Mount, the current captain of the Enterprise, and the predecessor to Shatner’s James Kirk also thanked him. Mount is playing Christopher Pike, the original captain of the Enterprise.
As I’ve always said: life imitates fiction. Just… WOW! Congratulations, @WilliamShatner It’s been a long time comin’. https://t.co/3KaMYC14sP
— Anson Mount 🖖 (@ansonmount) October 13, 2021
Ming-Na Wen from the Mandalorian and Eureka also chimed in, giving her thoughts on such a major moment.
This brought tears to my eyes.🥺🥺😢
— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) October 13, 2021
“Space, the final frontier….to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Bill, you’re pure inspiration! Love you! And congrats!❤️🥰❤️@WilliamShatner #captainkirk #astronaut #90yrsyoung 👏🏼🚀 https://t.co/beL6xtSqHB
Chris Doohan, son of Star Trek veteran James Doohan; who played Scottie in the original series, also congratulated Shatner.
Congrats to @WilliamShatner. Very exciting day. @blueorigin #startrek pic.twitter.com/oi7GUmeBdf
— Chris Doohan (@ChrisDoohan) October 13, 2021
As did Star Trek: Voyager actor, Robert Picardo, who played The Doctor.
@WilliamShatner describes “boldly going” to @blueorigin ‘s @JeffBezos . [ Happily, @amazon delivered the ultimate @StarTrek collectible on schedule and undamaged.] pic.twitter.com/AvPyxUDjUB
— Robert Picardo (@RobertPicardo) October 13, 2021
Even the folks from Star Trek Online got in on the excitement, tweeting a warm welcome to the original Captain Kirk.
Congratulations to @WilliamShatner on going boldly into space. Welcome back, Captain. pic.twitter.com/BgJlBklrIO
— Star Trek Online (@trekonlinegame) October 13, 2021
Psych’s Timothy Omundson also chimed in, having worked with Shatner a few times on the USA Network original.
Congratulations to the first #psychFamily member to ever make it into space! 🚀The Legendary Guest Star. known as @WilliamShatner Bon Voyage, my friend. We are all thrilled for you ‼️ pic.twitter.com/417IiVFSMi
— 🇺🇦Timothy Omundson🇺🇦 (@Omundson) October 13, 2021
As a Hall of Famer of the WWE, he not only became the oldest man to ever go into space but the first-ever WWE Hall of Famer to go to space as well.
Congratulations William Shatner on being the first WWE Hall of Famer to go into space! 🚀🌕@WilliamShatner pic.twitter.com/tRnW4qJL2G
— WWE (@WWE) October 13, 2021
The sports world wasn’t quiet during this moment, as Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar got in on the action.
Congrats Captain Kirk 🚀 #UMatter Go #Browns Watch William Shatner go to space with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin https://t.co/iq0gmVUBH2
— Bernie Kosar (@BernieKosarQB) October 13, 2021
As did NBA legend, Bill Russell.
WOW!!! Amazing! Hey @JeffBezos & @blueorigin Sign me up. As a huge Trekkie (6’9) this is a dream come true & a big Congratulations to #CaptainKirk @WilliamShatner you made the Bill’s proud today! @MSNBC @NBA #StarTrek for real #beammeupjeff #wednesdaythought pic.twitter.com/fw7ak4QjHl
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) October 13, 2021
The folks from Bill and Ted 3 also wanted to remind every on this most excellent of days that Shatner is the only person to receive a special credit in the franchise’s second film.
Fun Fact: William Shatner is the only person to receive a "Thanks" credit, in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey.
— Bill & Ted 3 (@BillandTed3) October 13, 2021
Congratulations on your trip to space, dude! 🎸⚡️ pic.twitter.com/gyZg92r8dP
Other personalities chimed in as well, with Tom Bergeron of America’s Funniest Home Videos and Dancing with the Stars congratulation the captain.
https://twitter.com/Tom_Bergeron/status/1448308028164411395
Real-life astronaut and viral media sensation Chris Hadfield also shared his excitement.
Beam me back down, Scotty - congrats, @WilliamShatner and the @blueorigin team! pic.twitter.com/KIgt2jQtZH
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) October 13, 2021
As did Mayim Bialik of the Big Bang Theory.
Talk about foreshadowing! And a rocket man you are, @WilliamShatner! 🚀 Congrats on your historic journey to space today!!!! pic.twitter.com/U1e9tUqKen
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) October 13, 2021
Lastly, a world-famous professor, Brian Cox, also heaped some praise on Shatner.
Shatner is a wonderful and unique individual :-) https://t.co/ZlNJnPIi5Q
— Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) October 13, 2021
And yes, even the Canadian rock band Nickelback sent something Shatner’s way.
Congratulations on your journey to the final frontier… Good luck on your space flight tomorrow, @WilliamShatner! pic.twitter.com/mARChv905D
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) October 12, 2021
All in all, it seems people were in agreement that this was not only a wonderful day but a huge day for Shanter.
Congrats indeed.