“You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves,” says Captain James T. Kirk in the first season of Star Trek. “And irrational fear of the unknown,” he continues.
The fictional character was referring to a mysterious alien threat in the episode, but in the real world, his words still hold true. Today, decades after delivering those lines, William Shatner—the actor who played Captain Kirk—wants us to pay closer attention to their meaning.
In a recently recorded video message for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA], the 95-year-old actor and musician urged people to take a closer look at the impact their actions are having on the world around them.
“The animals that took millions of years, in some cases, billions of years, to evolve and be part of the environment, they’re dying because of man,” says Shatner in the video. “It is really bad. It’s tragic. This beautiful planet that is so gorgeous and so interconnected, we’re killing it, and we have a chance to stop that.”
He added, “We have the science to stop it. We must clean up our act now before it’s too late.” The video closed with the words “please go vegan” written on the screen.
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Is William Shatner vegan?
Not much is known about Shatner’s diet, but he has recently spoken about trying to eat more plant-based foods. He also recently partnered with Kellogg’s on a Super Bowl ad for Raisin Bran. In the commercial, he plays “Will Shat,” teleporting in to save people from fiber deficiency.
Shatner is a well-known animal lover. He has spoken about his love of horses in the past and he lives with two Dobermans.
The actor is also a longtime supporter of Sea Shepherd, and in 2024, he released another video message urging people to support the conservation organization amid rising global temperatures. “We need—we beseech your help,” he said. “Sea Shepherd is one way to protect Earth. Please do it. Thank you so much.”
Adopting a plant-based diet not only helps save farm animals’ lives but is also vital for protecting wildlife and the planet. Shatner’s message is backed by a growing body of evidence. A 2023 study from the University of Oxford found that diets rich in plant-based foods can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water pollution by up to 75 percent compared to high-meat diets.
As Shatner suggests, the power to protect animals and the planet ultimately lies in everyday choices. Backed by research and echoed by groups like PETA, shifting toward plant-based eating is one of the most impactful steps one can take.
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
