William Shatner, synonymous with science fiction and pop culture, has captivated audiences for decades with his larger-than-life personality and iconic roles. Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Shatner’s career has spanned over seven decades, encompassing acting, directing, writing, and even music. From his groundbreaking role as Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek” to his later success in legal dramas, Shatner has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
Who is William Shatner?
William Shatner is a Canadian-born actor, author, producer, director, screenwriter, and singer. He’s best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the “Star Trek” franchise, a role that catapulted him to international fame. But Shatner’s career extends far beyond the final frontier of space. He’s also had leading roles in other hit shows like “T.J. Hooker” and “Boston Legal,” showcasing his versatility as an actor.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | William Shatner |
| Birthdate | March 22, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Career | Actor, author, producer, director, screenwriter, singer |
| Notable Role | Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek” |
| Other Roles | “T.J. Hooker,” “Boston Legal” |
Age and Physique
William Shatner defies expectations at 92 years old (as of 2023). Standing 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall, Shatner has maintained a charismatic presence throughout his career. Despite his age, he remains active in the entertainment industry and even made history in 2021 by becoming the oldest person to fly into space at 90.
Personal Life and Relationships
Shatner’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He has been married four times, with his first marriage to Canadian actress Gloria Rand lasting from 1956 to 1969. This union produced three daughters: Leslie (1958), Lisabeth (1960), and Melanie (1964). His subsequent marriages were to Marcy Lafferty (1973-1996), Nerine Kidd (1997-1999), and Elizabeth Anderson Martin (2001-2020).
Tragically, Shatner’s third wife, Nerine Kidd, passed away in 1999 in an accidental drowning at their home. This event deeply affected Shatner, and he has spoken openly about the impact of this loss on his life.
Net Worth and Salary
William Shatner’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, a testament to his long and successful career in entertainment. His earnings come from various sources, including acting roles, book royalties, and appearances at conventions. Shatner reportedly earned around $150,000 per episode for television shows at the height of his career.
Contrary to popular belief, Shatner did not make $600 million from his association with Priceline.com. He has publicly denied these rumors, stating that while he did receive stock options as part of his compensation for being their spokesperson, the value was nowhere near the rumored amount.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $100 million |
| Earnings | Acting roles, book royalties, convention appearances |
| Television Salary | Approximately $150,000 per episode at peak |
| Priceline.com Earnings | Stock options, but significantly less than $600 million rumor |
Company Details and Investments
While Shatner is primarily known for his work in entertainment, he has also ventured into business. He’s been involved in various entrepreneurial endeavors, including a line of sci-fi novels and even a cryptocurrency mining operation.
In terms of real estate, Shatner has owned several properties over the years. His longtime residence is a 4,016-square-foot home in Studio City, California. He also owned a ranch in Three Rivers, California, which he purchased in 1979. As part of his 2020 divorce settlement, he deeded properties in Malibu and Kentucky to his ex-wife, Elizabeth.
Professional Career
Shatner’s career began in the 1950s with Canadian theater and television roles. His big break came in 1966 when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek: The Original Series.” Although the show only ran for three seasons, it gained a massive cult following, leading to a series of successful movies.
After “Star Trek,” Shatner starred in the police drama “T.J. Hooker” (1982-1986) and hosted the reality show “Rescue 911” (1989-1996). In the 2000s, he gained critical acclaim for his role as eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on “The Practice” and its spin-off “Boston Legal,” winning two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
Beyond acting, Shatner has authored numerous books, including science fiction novels and his autobiographies. He’s also released several spoken-word albums, blending his distinctive voice with music.
Investment and Funding
While specific details about Shatner’s investments are not widely publicized, his association with Priceline.com is well-known. He served as their spokesperson for many years, receiving stock options as compensation. Although the value of these stocks fluctuated dramatically during the dot-com boom and bust, they did contribute to his overall wealth.
Shatner has also invested in various business ventures, including a line of sci-fi novels and a cryptocurrency mining operation. However, he advises caution regarding speculative investments, having learned from his experiences.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
William Shatner is active on social media, engaging with fans and sharing his thoughts on various topics. You can find him on:
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @WilliamShatner | 2.5 million | |
| @williamshatner | 333,000 | |
| @williamshatner | 1.5 million |
Various agencies represent Shatner for professional inquiries, but it’s best to contact them through official channels rather than trying to reach him directly.
Conclusion
William Shatner’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. From the bridge of the Enterprise to the courtrooms of Boston, from authoring books to exploring space in real life, Shatner has boldly gone where few have gone before. His journey through Hollywood and beyond continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a true icon of popular culture.
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