William Shatner
Actor
About William Shatner
There appears to be a significant error in the person identification provided. William Shatner (born 1931) is a contemporary Canadian actor best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, not a classic cinema personality from the silent era or early talkies. His career began in the 1950s and continues to this day, spanning over seven decades. The reference to 'Universe (1976)' appears to be a documentary he narrated, but his filmography includes hundreds of films and television shows both before and after 1976. Shatner's career encompasses everything from classic television series like The Twilight Zone to modern shows like Boston Legal, for which he won Emmy Awards. The information provided seems to confuse or misidentify this contemporary actor with a classic cinema personality.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his distinctive, dramatic delivery and unique speech patterns, Shatner developed a recognizable acting style characterized by dramatic pauses and emphatic line readings. His approach evolved from classical stage training to incorporate television and film techniques, creating a signature performance style that has been both celebrated and parodied.
Milestones
- Star Trek original series (1966-1969)
- Star Trek films (1979-1991)
- T.J. Hooker (1982-1986)
- Boston Legal (2004-2008)
- Emmy and Golden Globe wins
- Published numerous books
- Musical albums and spoken word recordings
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (2004, 2005)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (2005)
- Saturn Award for Best Actor (1979)
Nominated
- Multiple Emmy nominations throughout career
- Golden Globe nominations
- Saturn Award nominations
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1983)
- Canada's Walk of Fame
- Governor General's Performing Arts Award
- National Space Society's Von Braun Award
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
William Shatner's portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk made him an enduring cultural icon and one of the most recognizable figures in science fiction history. His work helped establish Star Trek as a global phenomenon that influenced generations of fans, scientists, and space explorers. Beyond Star Trek, his unique acting style and public persona have made him a frequent subject of parody and reference in popular culture, from Saturday Night Live sketches to The Big Bang Theory.
Lasting Legacy
Shatner's legacy extends far beyond his acting career. He has become a symbol of the optimistic vision of the future that Star Trek represents, inspiring real space exploration and scientific advancement. His later career renaissance with Boston Legal proved his versatility as an actor, while his various business ventures, music albums, and books have shown his diverse talents. He remains an active and influential figure in entertainment well into his 90s.
Who They Inspired
Shatner influenced generations of actors in science fiction television and film, establishing a template for commanding leads in space-based narratives. His distinctive delivery style has been widely imitated and referenced, making him one of the most parodied actors in history. Many actors who followed in science fiction roles have cited his work as influential, particularly in how to balance dramatic storytelling with the unique demands of genre entertainment.
Off Screen
William Shatner has been married four times and has three daughters. His personal life has included both triumphs and tragedies, including the mysterious drowning death of his third wife, Nerine Kidd, in 1999. He is known for his love of horses and has participated in equestrian competitions. Shatner is also an accomplished author, having written numerous science fiction novels, autobiographies, and non-fiction works.
Education
McGill University (Bachelor of Commerce, 1952)
Family
- Gloria Rand (1956-1969)
- Marcy Lafferty (1973-1996)
- Nerine Kidd (1997-1999)
- Elizabeth Anderson Martin (2001-2020)
Did You Know?
- Was the first person to appear in all five Star Trek television series
- Has performed spoken word versions of popular songs including 'Rocket Man'
- Is an accomplished equestrian who breeds and shows American Saddlebreds
- Flown to space in 2021 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard at age 90
- Has directed several Star Trek films including 'The Voyage Home'
- Is a vegetarian and animal rights advocate
- Has appeared in over 250 film and television productions
- His distinctive acting style has been widely parodied, most famously by Family Guy
- Has written several science fiction novels under his own name
- Was a classmate of Christopher Plummer at McGill University
In Their Own Words
Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.
I'm not a Starfleet commander, or T.J. Hooker. I don't live on Starship NCC-170... or some sightseeing tour of the stars. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I am Captain Kirk! I'm the captain of the Enterprise!
You know, I've been in this business for a long time, and I've learned that the key to success is to be yourself.
Life is like a grapefruit. It's orange and squishy, and has a few pips in it, and some folks have half a one for breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Shatner?
William Shatner is a Canadian actor, director, producer, and author best known for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. His career spans over seven decades, from 1950 to present, encompassing hundreds of film and television roles, books, and music albums.
What films is William Shatner best known for?
Shatner is most famous for the Star Trek franchise, including the original TV series (1966-1969) and seven feature films. Other notable works include The Brothers Karamazov (1958), Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), and his Emmy-winning role in Boston Legal (2004-2008).
When was William Shatner born and when did he die?
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is still alive and continues to work in entertainment, making him one of the few actors to have worked across eight decades.
What awards did William Shatner win?
Shatner has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Boston Legal (2004, 2005), a Golden Globe Award for the same role, and a Saturn Award for Best Actor. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
What was William Shatner's acting style?
Shatner developed a distinctive acting style characterized by dramatic pauses, emphatic line delivery, and intense emotional expression. This unique approach, while sometimes criticized as melodramatic, became his signature and has been widely imitated and parodied in popular culture.
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Films
1 film
