Did William Shatner Really Wear a Girdle in Star Trek?

Over the years, rumors have persistently questioned whether William Shatner, the iconic Captain James T. Kirk from the original Star Trek series and films, actually wore a girdle during the production. However, is there any factual basis behind this? Let's dive into the details and explore the truth.

Shatner's Confirmation on Wearing a Girdle

William Shatner himself has acknowledged in various interviews that actors in the original Star Trek series often used girdles to achieve a more streamlined appearance. Shatner specifically mentioned this practice, noting that certain form-fitting costumes necessitated such enhancements. In an interview, he said, 'Yes, I wore a girdle to create a more fitted look for my Star Trek outfit.' This practice was not uncommon among actors, and it often helped in the overall costume design and character portrayal.

Speculations and Denials

Despite Shatner's confirmation, rumors and speculations have proliferated over the years. Some speculate that the form-fitting Starfleet uniforms could have necessitated a girdle to maintain consistency in appearance. Personal maintained fitness levels, as indicated by Shatner, could have contributed to the necessity of such garments. In a nostalgic reflection, Shatner noted, 'Sometimes in the earlier episodes, I could maintain a lean physique, but as the series progressed, I had less time to keep in shape, and my waistline naturally grew.' This is also evident in the green wraparound tunic he wore, designed with built-in girdle support.

Visual Evidence and Beliefs

Visual evidence, particularly in recent high-definition restorations, can help provide insight into the attire worn by the actors. While no definitive proof exists, it has been observed that Shatner is sometimes seen wearing something around his stomach in many episodes. Michael King, for example, commented, 'The lines and texture seen around Shatner’s stomach strongly suggest he was wearing a girdle or similar garment.' However, whether a girdle or another type of undergarment was used remains uncertain.

Some personal opinions surrounding Shatner suggest a mixed reaction to his character. One viewer remarked, 'I never liked Shatner, his arrogance always annoyed me. That’s a hard thing to say about such a classic character.' In contrast, Patrick Stewart, who later played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, was often admired for his more understated and composed portrayal. Regardless of individual preferences, the authenticity of girdle usage remains a subject of debate among fans and historians.

A Personal Anecdote: Shooting the TV Series

Helen Cutler, who is well-versed in the production of Star Trek, shared a personal story: 'During the filming of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Shatner accidentally broke a rib while riding a horse in an episode of TJ Hooker. He then had to wear a rib tape for support. Some rumors suggested he wore a girdle, but this was likely a misinterpretation due to the body support functions of both garments.' This demonstrates how such mishaps could lead to misunderstandings about the real attire of the actors.

Conclusion

The mystery surrounding whether William Shatner wore a girdle during the original Star Trek series and subsequent films remains intriguing, with no concrete evidence available. While Shatner has confirmed that actors often used such garments for costume support, personal opinions and visual observations remain interpretations. The truth probably lies somewhere between speculations and confirmed interviews. What is certain is that the production of Star Trek involved innovative and detailed costume designs, highlighting the level of attention paid to the visual presentation of the characters.