William Shatner

William Shatner: A Star Trek Icon and Beyond

William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, and film producer. He was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Here are some key facts about his life and career:

Early Life

Shatner was born to Ruth (née Woodfield) and Max Shatner, a Jewish immigrant from Poland. His father owned a clothing store and was also involved in the fur trade. Shatner’s early education took place at Hillcrest High School, where he began acting on stage.

Career

Shatner started his acting career on stage, performing in various plays and musicals. He later moved to television and film, landing small roles in shows such as ‘National Velvet’ (1944) and ‘The Star.’ His breakthrough role came in 1966 when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in the TV series ‘Star Trek.’

Television Career

In addition to his film work, Shatner continued to act on television throughout the 1990s. He starred in several TV movies, including ‘Naked Lunch’ (1991) and ‘The Intruder’ (1996). In 2004, he began starring in the TV series ‘Boston Legal,’ for which he won an Emmy Award.

Books

Shatner has written several books, including:

• Captain’s Log: William Shatner’s Personal Account of the Making of ‘Star Trek V: The Final Frontier’ (1989)
• Star Trek Memories (1993)
• Get a Life! (1999)
• Up Till Now: The Autobiography (2008)
• Shatner Rules (2011)

Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Shatner has received numerous awards and nominations. He won an Emmy Award for his work on ‘Boston Legal’ and was nominated for a Tony Award for his Broadway production of ‘A Life for Sale.’ In 2009, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Personal Life

Shatner married actress Felicity Kendal in 1962, but the couple divorced in 1968. In 1992, he married actress Lisa Ann Lacey, who gave birth to their daughter, Julia Charles Shatner, in 1997. The couple divorced in 2006.

Health Issues

In recent years, Shatner has faced health issues related to his vocal cords and Alzheimer’s disease. He underwent surgery to repair a vocal cord hemorrhage in 2011 and was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in 2020.

Audiobooks

Shatner has narrated several audiobooks, including:

• Star Trek Movie Memories (1994)
• Up Till Now – What I Learned Along the Way (2018)
• Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder (2022)

Discography

Shatner’s discography includes:

• The Transformed Man (1968)
• William Shatner Live (1977)
• Spaced Out: The Very Best of Leonard Nimoy & William Shatner (1996)
• Has Been (2004)
• Exodus: An Oratorio in Three Parts (2008)
• Seeking Major Tom (2011)
• Ponder the Mystery (2013)
• Why Not Me (2018)
• Shatner Claus (2018)
• The Blues (2020)
• Bill (2021)
• So Fragile, So Blue (2024)
• Where Will The Animals Sleep: Songs For Kids And Other Living Things (2024)

William Shatner is a talented actor, author, and film producer who has made a lasting impact on popular culture. His unique acting style and memorable roles have cemented his place as one of the most iconic stars in Hollywood history. What I Might Have Learned Along the Way, with David Fisher, 2018, ISBN 978-1250166692