‘Take it easy, nothing matters in the end’: William Shatner at 90, on love, loss and Leonard Nimoy

His career has taken him from Shakespeare to Star Trek - and soon he will be swimming with sharks on TV. He discusses longevity, tragedy, friendship and success

I think I'm arriving good and early for my interview with William Shatner when I click on our video chat link 10 minutes ahead of time. But Shatner has arrived even earlier: there he is, as soon as my Zoom screen opens, poking away at his computer. I like to get in early to ease my mind. But it's OK, I can meditate afterwards," he says. His tone is often heavily ironical, as if he is daring you to accuse him of playing a joke on you. This has led to much discussion from fans about the Shatner persona", although Shatner scoffs at the phrase. I don't know what that even is," he says.

I think they think you play up to their expectations, I say.