William Shatner
- Born:
- March 22, 1931, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Nationality:
- Canadian
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Author, Producer, Director, Singer, Spoken Word Artist
Early Life and Education
- Born to Jewish immigrants, Joseph Shatner and Anne (née Garmaise).
- Attended Baron Byng High School in Montreal.
- Earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in 1952.
- Acted in McGill's Radio Workshop and joined the Montreal Children's Theatre.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his professional acting career at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada.
- Made his Broadway debut in 1956 in Tamburlaine the Great.
- Gained international fame as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise (1966-1969, and subsequent films).
- Hosted Rescue 911 (1989-1996).
- Won two Emmy Awards for his role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal.
- Became the oldest person to travel to space on Blue Origin NS-18 in 2021.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1961 | Judgment at Nuremberg | Captain Harrison Byers |
| 1982 | Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | James T. Kirk |
| 1986 | Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | James T. Kirk |
| 1994 | Star Trek Generations | James T. Kirk |
Discography
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | The Transformed Man | Spoken word album |
| 2004 | Has Been | Rock album produced by Ben Folds |
| 2011 | Seeking Major Tom | Concept album with various guest musicians |
Published Works
- Co-authored several Star Trek novels, including Star Trek: The Ashes of Eden.
- Authored autobiographies, including Star Trek Memories and Up Till Now.
- Contributed to the understanding of celebrity culture through works like the william shatner biography book, offering insights into his public persona.
Legacy and Impact
William Shatner's career spans decades, marked by iconic roles and diverse creative endeavors. His portrayal of Captain Kirk resonated globally, shaping science fiction and inspiring generations. Beyond acting, his contributions as an author and his spaceflight have cemented his place in popular culture.