Two Icons Chat About Space and Life

In Seattle, a special event brought together two well-known figures: William Shatner, the actor famous for playing Captain Kirk in Star Trek, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, a well-known astrophysicist. They shared a stage to discuss the universe, their lives, and more. The event, called "The Universe Is Absurd, " was a hit with the nearly 3, 000 people who attended. Shatner and Tyson first connected during a space-themed trip to Antarctica. Their fun conversations caught the attention of others, leading to this live show. The two sat in rocking chairs, with a big picture of the Milky Way behind them. They talked for almost two hours, sharing funny stories and serious thoughts. Shatner, now 94, talked about his early days as an actor, moving around and struggling. Tyson, 66, shared his journey from walking dogs to becoming a famous scientist and TV personality. They also joked about Tyson's small roles in movies like Ice Age and SpongeBob SquarePants. The show's title, "The Universe Is Absurd, " set the tone. Shatner and Tyson explored how strange and amazing the universe can be. They discussed topics like Pluto's status as a dwarf planet, with Tyson standing by his decision to leave it out of planet displays. Shatner also shared his emotional experience going to space with Blue Origin, talking about how seeing Earth from above made him realize how fragile our planet is. When asked if they would go to space again, Shatner was unsure, comparing it to a love affair. Tyson, however, said he would go if there was a destination, like the moon or Mars. The two hinted that this might not be their last show together, with Tyson saying their friendship could continue and Shatner joking about falling more in love with him.