William Shatner: A Journey Through His Iconic Career And Life

From commanding the U.S.S. Enterprise to hosting reality shows, William Shatner has traversed an extraordinary path in entertainment. His journey from a young radio performer in Canada to a globally recognized actor and author is a testament to his talent and versatility. Shatner is not just a name; he is a phenomenon in the realms of television, film, and literature.

Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Shatner's early life was filled with a passion for performance. He began his career at a young age, captivating audiences through radio programs. His educational journey at McGill University further solidified his aspirations, as he participated in theater during his college years. From his Broadway debut to iconic roles in Star Trek and Boston Legal, Shatner's career is marked by groundbreaking achievements.

Shatner is a multifaceted talent — an actor, director, author, and singer. His ability to engage audiences across various platforms is unparalleled. With a career spanning several decades, he has not only entertained but also inspired countless individuals. Whether it's through his captivating performances or insightful writings, Shatner's impact on popular culture is deeply felt.

Table of Contents

• Who Is William Shatner?
• Early Life
• Early Stage and Screen Roles
• Star Trek Series and Films
• TV and Movie Roles
• The UnXplained on HISTORY
• Books
• Marriages and Personal Life
• Quick Facts

Who Is William Shatner?

William Shatner is an actor, director, author, and singer, best known for his iconic roles on Boston Legal and Star Trek.

Early Life

Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Shatner started his career as a child performer in radio programs for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As a student at McGill University, he continued to pursue acting. Shatner spent his summers performing with the Royal Mount Theater Company. He graduated from the university in 1952 and joined the National Repertory Theater of Ottawa. Working with Sir Tyrone Guthrie, Shatner also appeared in productions at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario.

Early Stage and Screen Roles

In 1956, Shatner made his Broadway debut in Tamburlaine the Great, which was directed by Guthrie. He also found work in the emerging medium of television, appearing on such shows as Goodyear Television Playhouse, Studio One, and Playhouse 90. Playing one of the title characters, Shatner made his film debut in 1958's The Brothers Karamazov with Yul Brynner. That same year, he returned to Broadway for a two-year run in The Secret Life of Suzie Wong. He won the 1959 Theatre World Award for his performance.

Star Trek Series and Films

The following year, Shatner took on the role that made him famous around the world. As Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek, he commanded the U.S.S. Enterprise, a starship traveling through space in the twenty-third century. Kirk encountered all sorts of unusual aliens and challenging situations during his journeys. Accompanying him on these adventures was his loyal crew, which included first officer Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and medical officer Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley). The science fiction series created by Gene Roddenberry premiered on September 8, 1966, and lasted for three seasons.

TV and Movie Roles

In 1982, Shatner took on a new leading television role in T. J. Hooker, as a veteran police officer who returns to a street beat. The supporting cast included Heather Locklear and Adrian Zmed as younger officers who work with and look up to Shatner's character. Unlike the original Star Trek series, T. J. Hooker was immediately popular with television audiences.

The UnXplained on HISTORY

Shatner is the host and executive producer of the HISTORY nonfiction series The UnXplained, which tackles subjects that have mystified mankind for centuries, from mysterious structures and cursed ancient cities to extraterrestrial sightings and bizarre rituals.

Books

Shatner has experienced great success as an author. During the writers' strike of 1987, he transformed a screenplay idea into a novel. The result was TekWar (1989), a work of science fiction featuring a middle-aged private detective working in the twenty-second century. More Tek titles followed and were later adapted for television.

Marriages and Personal Life

From 1956 to 1969, Shatner was married to Canadian actress Gloria Rand. The couple had three children together. Shatner married actress Marcy Lafferty in 1973. That marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Shortly thereafter, he married model Nerine Kidd, who tragically drowned in 1999.

Quick Facts

In late 2017, Canadian Governor General Julie Payette appointed Shatner an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to popular culture and his charity work.