Space Hero Shatner Brings Star Trek Spirit to Steel City Con

In Monroeville, the former Double Tree hotel turned Legacy Event Center buzzed with excitement as William Shatner, best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk, arrived to meet fans at Steel City Con. Earlier that day, he had shared hopeful thoughts about NASA’s Artemis II astronauts, confident they would return safely after their moon voyage. Shatner reminded everyone that reentry can be as perilous as launch, drawing from his own 90‑year‑old trip to space in October 2021 aboard Blue Origin’s Orion capsule. He joked about the heat shield’s “funny” angle, recalling how a previous test flight left its exterior pockmarked like the moon. The capsule later splashed down off San Diego after a ten‑day mission. While Shatner enjoyed warm welcomes from Western Pennsylvania fans, he also praised Pittsburgh’s transformation from coal‑smoke to beautiful parks, noting that people now come there not just for work but for a better life. The convention also hosted other celebrities such as Roseanne Barr, Marcia Gay Harden, Doug Bradley, and Jeff Ward. Reunions included Michael Rooker, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, and former “Home Improvement” cast members. Pro wrestling legends like Rob Van Dam and John “Bradshaw” Layfied were slated for Sunday appearances.Patricia Arquette celebrated her birthday during the event, receiving a cake from organizers while signing autographs. The actress also promoted her new horror film “They Will Kill You, ” expressing love for Pittsburgh’s museums and the joy of meeting fans. The convention’s Q&A panels, costume contests, and a charity sketch session moved to the Legacy Event Center’s main entrance. Attendees embraced their creative sides, dressing as favorite pop‑culture icons such as Gwen Stacy, Black Cat, and Spider‑Man. Long‑time cosplayers J. Skalos, Blake Skalo, and Steven Mizgorski shared stories of their adventures and the friendships forged at Steel City Con. Local artist Byron Winton, a staple of the show for over three decades, showcased horror and fantasy pieces that drew fans like Danny Anderson, who collects Winton’s work. Winton praised the affirmation he receives when people enjoy his art, fueling his creative drive. New vendors, including a Sips & Giggles coffee shop, added fresh flavor to the event.