VIEWS
114
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2024-09-19 11:14:52
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1x01 The Man Trap
1x01 Beyond the Farthest Star
1x03 One of Our Planets Is Missing
1x04 The Lorelei Signal
1x07 The Infinite Vulcan
1x08 The Magicks of Megas-Tu
2x01 The Pirates of Orion
2x19 A Private Little War
2x20 Return to Tomorrow
2x22 By Any Other Name
3x01 Spock's Brain
3x02 The Enterprise Incident
3x03 The Paradise Syndrome
3x08 For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky
3x12 The Empath
3x13 Elaan of Troyius
3x14 Whom Gods Destroy
3x15 Let That Be Your Last Battlefield
3x16 The Mark of Gideon
BIOGRAPHY
William Shatner, born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a legendary actor, director, producer, author, and singer, most famous for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Over his multi-decade career, Shatner has become a pop culture icon, known for his distinctive delivery, charismatic performances, and contributions to both science fiction and mainstream entertainment. His career extends far beyond Star Trek, encompassing a wide range of acting roles, directing stints, voice work, and literary achievements.
Early Life and Education
Shatner was born to a Jewish family in Montreal and grew up in a household that fostered his interest in the arts. His father, Joseph Shatner, was a clothing manufacturer, while his mother, Anne Garmaise, encouraged his early creative pursuits. He attended West Hill High School and later McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1952. Although his educational background was in business, his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the theater.
Early Career
Shatner's first professional acting work began in Canadian radio dramas and local theater. His early stage roles included appearances at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, where he worked alongside legendary actors like Sir Alec Guinness. Shatner performed in classical roles, including Henry V, and quickly gained a reputation for his versatility and intensity on stage.
In the mid-1950s, Shatner transitioned to television, appearing in live dramas like Studio One and Goodyear Television Playhouse. His early film work included a small role in the 1958 film The Brothers Karamazov. He continued to work steadily in television throughout the 1960s, with guest appearances on a variety of shows, including The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, which hinted at his future association with science fiction.
Star Trek and Rise to Fame
In 1966, Shatner landed the role that would define his career: Captain James T. Kirk of the starship USS Enterprise in the television series Star Trek. Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek was groundbreaking for its depiction of a future where humanity had overcome war, prejudice, and poverty to explore the stars. Shatner's portrayal of Kirk, the bold and decisive captain, resonated with audiences. His dynamic leadership style, adventurous spirit, and occasional flirtations with alien women became hallmarks of the character.
Although Star Trek only lasted three seasons (1966-1969), the show developed a devoted fan base, and its syndication in the 1970s led to a resurgence in popularity. Shatner's portrayal of Kirk became a cultural phenomenon, and he embraced the role, reprising it in Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974) and later in a series of films.
Star Trek Films and Expanded Legacy
In 1979, Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the first of several feature films based on the series. The film was a commercial success and led to a franchise of Star Trek movies in which Shatner reprised his role throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Among these, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is often regarded as the best in the series, with Shatner delivering memorable performances, particularly during Kirk's confrontations with his nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh.
In 1989, Shatner made his directorial debut with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, in which he also starred. Though the film received mixed reviews, it further solidified his role as a key figure within the Star Trek franchise.
His final appearance as Captain Kirk came in Star Trek: Generations (1994), where his character heroically sacrifices himself. This marked the symbolic passing of the torch to the next generation of Star Trek actors, notably Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Career Beyond Star Trek
Shatner's post-Star Trek career has been diverse and prolific. He reinvented himself several times, appearing in various TV shows and films, often showcasing his comedic timing and self-deprecating humor. One of his most notable roles came in T.J. Hooker (1982-1986), where he played a tough police officer. He also hosted the popular reality show Rescue 911 from 1989 to 1996, further broadening his appeal.
In the 2000s, Shatner found renewed critical success with his role as the eccentric and unpredictable lawyer Denny Crane on The Practice (2004) and its spinoff Boston Legal (2004-2008). His portrayal of Crane earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, proving that even decades into his career, he could still captivate audiences and critics alike.
Shatner also became known for his distinctive spoken-word albums and musical projects, starting with the 1968 album The Transformed Man, which featured dramatic readings of songs and poetry. Though initially seen as a novelty, his musical endeavors gained a cult following. His 2004 album Has Been, produced by Ben Folds, was critically acclaimed and demonstrated his ability to poke fun at his own larger-than-life persona while still delivering heartfelt performances.
Writing and Other Ventures
In addition to acting and music, William Shatner is a prolific author. He has written a series of science fiction novels, including the TekWar series, which was adapted into a TV show and comic books. He has also penned numerous autobiographies and memoirs, such as Up Till Now: The Autobiography (2008) and Shatner Rules (2011), where he reflects on his life, career, and the impact of Star Trek.
Shatner's other ventures include voice acting, with roles in animated series and video games, and even commercial work, most notably his humorous appearances in Priceline commercials, where he played "The Negotiator."
Space Journey
In 2021, at the age of 90, Shatner made headlines by becoming the oldest person to travel to space. He was part of Blue Origin’s second crewed suborbital flight, launched by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s space company. His trip aboard the New Shepard rocket was a brief but monumental journey, allowing Shatner to experience spaceflight for the first time after portraying it for decades. Upon returning to Earth, Shatner gave an emotional account of the experience, describing the profound contrast between the beauty of Earth and the dark vastness of space.
Personal Life
Shatner has been married four times and has three daughters: Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie. His third wife, Nerine Kidd, tragically drowned in 1999, an event that profoundly affected Shatner and led him to advocate for alcohol rehabilitation programs. His current wife is Elizabeth Anderson Martin, whom he married in 2001.
Shatner remains active and continues to embrace new projects, whether through acting, writing, or his various public appearances at Star Trek conventions. His tireless work ethic and love for entertainment have kept him in the spotlight for over six decades.
Legacy
William Shatner's impact on television, science fiction, and popular culture is immense. As Captain Kirk, he helped define what a space hero could be—bold, curious, and human. His contributions to Star Trek cemented his place in history, influencing generations of fans, actors, and creators. Beyond Star Trek, Shatner's varied career showcases his range as a performer, director, and author, ensuring that his legacy will be remembered for much more than just one iconic role.
At over 90 years old, Shatner continues to captivate audiences, proving that he is as timeless as the characters he brought to life.
HISTORY
2024-09-19 11:14:52 -
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Added a bio.
2024-09-19 04:26:56 -
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Added a portrait.
2024-09-19 04:00:37 -
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