Movies - TV
A Star Trek Explosion Left William Shatner With A Lifelong Health Problem
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
The “Star Trek” episode “Arena” features William Shatner as Captain Kirk, selected by godlike aliens to fight with a lizard-like alien called a Gorn on the world of Cestus III.
In order to defeat Gorn in combat, Kirk uses his knowledge of Cetus III’s geology, creating flash powder and explosions from compounds found in the nearby rocks.
Kirk constructs a rudimentary mortar cannon out of a bamboo shoot and manages to blast his foe with loose diamond pebbles he finds on the ground.
Following that episode, Shatner developed a mild case of tinnitus, a condition marked by a persistent ringing in the ears, likely caused by his proximity to the mortar explosion.
Shatner filmed for the American Tinnitus Association, stating, “I was standing too close [...] and it resulted in tinnitus [...] I didn't know whether I would survive the agony.”
He added about his health, “I was so tormented by the screeching in my head. I realized that I wouldn't be able to go on [...] American Tinnitus Association [...] saved my life.”