*Photo Credit: Manfred Baumman
William Shatner
Legendary Hollywood Actor and Philanthropist
William Shatner has cultivated a career that has spanned over 50 years as professional actor, director, producer, screenwriter, recording artist, author, and horseman. He is one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures and has also established himself as a major Hollywood philanthropist. He made his feature film directorial debut in 1989 with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (in which he also starred as well as helped conceive the story). Since then, he has directed several other features, television movies, and episodics. Most recently, he directed (as well as produced and starred in) Groom Lake, a picture about the mysterious area surrounding Roswell, New Mexico. Since April 1998, Shatner has served as the spokesman for Priceline.com. Off the screen and broadcast waves, Shatner has authored over two dozen bestselling books in both the fiction and non-fiction genres.
In 1966, Shatner originated the role of “Captain James T. Kirk” in the television series Star Trek. The series spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies, one of which he directed. Shatner also played the title role in the hit television series T.J. Hooker before hosting television’s first reality-based series, Rescue 911.
He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal. He received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods, and in 2011 received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.
Shatner’s Raw Nerve, currently airing on Bio, is his own edgy celebrity interview series. Each episode showcases him getting to know his guest on an intensely personal level, touching upon subjects not normally visited on other talk shows.
His love of music inspired him to record the critically acclaimed album Has Been. His newest musical project, a space-inspired album Seeking Major Tom, featured a large number of heavy metal covers as well as songs by U2, Frank Sinatra, Queen and Pink Floyd, and was released in October 2011.
Off the screen and broadcast waves, Shatner has authored nearly 30 bestsellers in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. His autobiography, Up Till Now, was a New York Times bestseller. His newest book, Shatner Rules, was released in October 2011. A comic book series – William Shatner Presents – debuted in summer 2009. The series is based on three of his novels, Tek War, Man O’ War, and Quest for Tomorrow, along with a brand new title called Chimera.
Shatner has been successful in another area - horse breeding. A longtime dedicated breeder of American Quarter horses, he has had enormous success with the American Saddlebred, developing and riding world champions and has won numerous world championships in several equine events. His passions for horses and philanthropy were united when he started the Hollywood Charity Horse Show. The annual event benefits Los Angeles-based children's charities.
Shatner continues to act, write, produce and direct while still making time to work with numerous charities and further his passion in equestrian sports. He and his wife, Elizabeth and three married children live in Los Angeles.
He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of eccentric lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal. He received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods, and in 2011 received a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award.
Shatner’s Raw Nerve, currently airing on Bio, is his own edgy celebrity interview series. Each episode showcases him getting to know his guest on an intensely personal level, touching upon subjects not normally visited on other talk shows.
His love of music inspired him to record the critically acclaimed album Has Been. His newest musical project, a space-inspired album Seeking Major Tom, featured a large number of heavy metal covers as well as songs by U2, Frank Sinatra, Queen and Pink Floyd, and was released in October 2011.
Off the screen and broadcast waves, Shatner has authored nearly 30 bestsellers in both the fiction and non-fiction genres. His autobiography, Up Till Now, was a New York Times bestseller. His newest book, Shatner Rules, was released in October 2011. A comic book series – William Shatner Presents – debuted in summer 2009. The series is based on three of his novels, Tek War, Man O’ War, and Quest for Tomorrow, along with a brand new title called Chimera.
Shatner has been successful in another area - horse breeding. A longtime dedicated breeder of American Quarter horses, he has had enormous success with the American Saddlebred, developing and riding world champions and has won numerous world championships in several equine events. His passions for horses and philanthropy were united when he started the Hollywood Charity Horse Show. The annual event benefits Los Angeles-based children's charities.
Shatner continues to act, write, produce and direct while still making time to work with numerous charities and further his passion in equestrian sports. He and his wife, Elizabeth and three married children live in Los Angeles.
Topics:
- A Conversation with William Shatner
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