William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931 in Montreal, Canada. He grew up in a middle-class family and showed an interest in acting from a young age. After attending local schools in Montreal, he decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
After graduating from McGill University, Shatner worked as a business manager for the Mountain Playhouse in Montreal. This experience helped him hone his skills and develop a passion for the performing arts. He soon realized that he wanted to pursue acting full-time and set his sights on making a name for himself in Hollywood.
Shatner's big break came when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in the iconic science fiction series Star Trek. He portrayed the brave and charismatic captain from 1966 to 1994, becoming a household name in the process. His performance earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base that still exists to this day.
During his time on Star Trek, Shatner also took on the role of the title character in the series T.J. Hooker, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. His talent and charisma made him a sought-after star in Hollywood, leading to numerous other acting opportunities.
Shatner has been married multiple times throughout his life. He married his second wife, Marcy Lafferty, in 1973, but the couple divorced in 1996. He has three children from his first marriage to Gloria Rand. In 2001, Shatner tied the knot with Elizabeth Shatner, with whom he was married until 2020.
After his success on Star Trek, Shatner continued to work in television and film, appearing on Boston Legal and winning a People's Choice Award for his role in the reality-based show Rescue 911. He also dabbled in other ventures, including writing books and recording music.
Throughout his career, Shatner has remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his talent, charm, and enduring popularity. His contributions to film and television have solidified his status as a Hollywood legend.