When actors step into the spotlight to promote their latest work, be it a movie or a television series, they encounter numerous individuals. Nowadays, celebrities often face inappropriate queries from interviewers, sometimes being mistaken for another star or having to endlessly repeat answers to the same questions. Although it’s crucial for spreading the word, it can be quite arduous.

In today’s world dominated by social media and countless cable TV channels, things weren’t always this accessible. Actors once had to travel extensively, participate in local broadcast shows, engage with entertainment journalists, and promote their projects in unfamiliar places. This was particularly true in 1967, with William Shatner on the promotional circuit for “Star Trek: The Original Series.”

As Captain Kirk, the main figure of the ensemble, Shatner bore the brunt of promotional activities, embodying the series before the soaring popularity of the seemingly emotionless Mr. Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy, who nearly left over that aspect) took hold of the budding fandom. Despite fulfilling his duties and appearing wherever required, a 1967 incident ended in frustration, yet is humorous in retrospect. While guest-hosting a children’s show in South Carolina, a child on his lap had an unfortunate accident. As any mall Santa knows, such incidents aren’t uncommon. For Shatner, being peed on by a stranger’s child was a mortifying experience.

In March 2021, journalist Frank Beacham recounted the story in the Columbia Star to celebrate William Shatner’s 90th birthday. Beacham, the primary cameraman for the South Carolina kids’ show “Mr. Knozit,” witnessed the embarrassing scene as Shatner guest-hosted. The appearance aimed to promote “Star Trek” locally, with Shatner stepping in for regular host Joe Pinner after their joint introduction.

During interviews with a group of children, with each child sitting on his lap, an unexpected incident occurred. A little girl, while on his lap, wet Shatner’s leg. Beacham noted, “The on-air look of horror on Shatner’s face was hilarious.” Unfortunately, no surviving footage exists, with only a single photograph of a different child preceding the incident. Post-commercial break, Shatner, visibly upset, approached Beacham exclaiming, “I didn’t sign up for this!”

While the mishap amused observers, Shatner managed it professionally after his initial reaction. He settled down and proceeded with the interviews. Beacham regarded it as a memorable television moment, noteworthy considering Shatner’s extensive career and the actor’s reputation among colleagues. That same year, Shatner appeared on another children’s show in Indiana, “Harlow Hickenlooper,” along with multiple programs. However, only “Mr. Knozit” led to such an accident, leaving coworkers speculating on the value of that lost tape.