Up Till Now

1. From Canadian theater to Hollywood: Shatner's early career struggles

I'd never had difficulty pretending to be someone else.

Humble beginnings. William Shatner's acting career began in Montreal, where he performed in local theater productions and radio dramas. He honed his craft at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, working alongside renowned actors and gaining valuable experience in classical theater.

Hollywood breakthrough. Shatner's transition to Hollywood was marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He landed roles in films like "The Brothers Karamazov" and "Judgment at Nuremberg," but also faced periods of financial struggle and uncertainty. These early experiences taught him resilience and the importance of perseverance in the entertainment industry.

• Key early roles:
  • Alexander the Great in a failed TV pilot
  • Guest appearances on various TV shows
  • Broadway performances, including "The World of Suzie Wong"

2. Star Trek: The role that defined a career and cultural phenomenon

Star Trek grew to become better known than any television series in history.

Unexpected success. Initially considered a failure after its cancellation in 1969, Star Trek found new life in syndication. The show's popularity exploded, leading to a devoted fan base, conventions, and a multimedia franchise that continues to this day.

Impact on Shatner's career. Playing Captain James T. Kirk catapulted Shatner to international fame, but also led to typecasting challenges. The role became both a blessing and a curse, providing ongoing opportunities but also limiting his ability to be seen as other characters.

• Star Trek's enduring legacy:
  • Numerous spin-off series and movies
  • Billions of dollars in merchandise sales
  • Cultural impact on science and technology
  • Shatner's ongoing association with the franchise

3. Navigating the ups and downs of post-Star Trek fame

There is no such thing as "enough time," or "being ready" to work. I just couldn't sit around the house anymore. I'm an actor. I needed to act.

Career fluctuations. After Star Trek, Shatner faced periods of both success and struggle. He took on various roles in TV movies, guest appearances, and even game shows to maintain his career and support his family.

Typecast challenges. Shatner worked to break free from the shadow of Captain Kirk, taking on diverse roles and exploring other aspects of the entertainment industry. This period was marked by a willingness to try new things and adapt to changing circumstances in Hollywood.

• Notable post-Star Trek projects:
  • T.J. Hooker TV series
  • Hosting Rescue 911
  • Directing Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
  • Voice work and commercial appearances

4. Embracing self-parody and reinvention in later years

I've learned that the definition of exactly what is a lie is quite different to men and women.

Humor as a tool. Shatner learned to lean into the public's perception of him, using self-deprecating humor and embracing parody to reinvent his image. This willingness to poke fun at himself opened up new opportunities and endeared him to a new generation of fans.

Diverse projects. In his later career, Shatner explored a wide range of creative endeavors, from music and writing to documentary filmmaking. This versatility demonstrated his adaptability and desire to continue growing as an artist.

• Examples of Shatner's reinvention:
  • Priceline.com commercials
  • Comedic roles in films and TV shows
  • Music albums and spoken word performances
  • Authoring science fiction novels and autobiographies

5. The personal cost of stardom: Failed marriages and addiction

I had believed that the force of my love for her was enough to effect a cure, I couldn't imagine that it wasn't enough, but to my sorrow I learned that sometimes love is not enough.

Relationship struggles. Shatner's dedication to his career often came at the expense of his personal life. He experienced multiple failed marriages, struggling to balance the demands of stardom with the needs of his family.

Confronting addiction. The actor's third marriage to Nerine Kidd was marked by her battle with alcoholism. This painful experience taught Shatner about the limitations of love in the face of addiction and the importance of professional help.

• Impact of career on personal life:
  • Long hours and frequent travel
  • Public scrutiny and media attention
  • Difficulty maintaining work-life balance
  • Emotional toll of fame and success

6. Finding love and stability later in life

I discovered that I'd made a mistake setting these stories so far in the future. I didn't realize how expensive the future was going to be.

Meeting Elizabeth Martin. After the tragic death of his third wife, Shatner found unexpected love with Elizabeth Martin. Their relationship, based on shared interests and mutual understanding, brought newfound stability and happiness to his life.

Learning from past mistakes. With Elizabeth, Shatner worked to apply the lessons learned from his previous relationships. He placed a greater emphasis on communication, compromise, and balancing his career with his personal life.

• Keys to Shatner's late-life relationship success:
  • Shared passion for horses and outdoor activities
  • Open communication and honesty
  • Mutual respect for each other's independence
  • Willingness to prioritize the relationship alongside career

7. Boston Legal: A career renaissance as Denny Crane

Denny Crane is an actor's amusement park; you can find anything you want there.

Unexpected opportunity. The role of Denny Crane in "The Practice" and its spin-off "Boston Legal" provided Shatner with a career resurgence late in life. The character allowed him to showcase his comedic talents and dramatic range, earning critical acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.

Embracing the character. Shatner fully embraced the eccentric and larger-than-life persona of Denny Crane, infusing the role with his own charisma and humor. This performance demonstrated his ability to continually reinvent himself and connect with audiences across generations.

• Highlights of Shatner's performance as Denny Crane:
  • Emmy Award wins and nominations
  • Blend of comedy and drama
  • Chemistry with co-star James Spader
  • Popularizing catchphrases like "Denny Crane!"

Last updated: January 24, 2025