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Throughout its production, Star Trek was marked by significant off-screen drama, particularly between its two lead stars, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Their relationship was characterized by tension and rivalry, rooted in Shatner’s desire for prominence. For instance, when it came to credits, Shatner insisted on larger font sizes to enhance the visibility of his name, even at the expense of Nimoy’s credits.
As the series progressed, this competitive dynamic evolved into a complicated friendship, culminating in heart-wrenching moments when Nimoy struggled with fame, ultimately turning to alcohol to cope with the pressures surrounding him. His struggles went largely unnoticed by the crew, even as he consistently showed up ready to perform.