William Shatner

Easton Press William Shatner books

Get a Life! - signed first edition - 1999

 

Actor William Shatner

William Shatner, born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a cultural icon known for his multifaceted career as an actor, author, and musician. With a career spanning over seven decades, Shatner has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his charismatic presence and versatile performances. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, Shatner developed a passion for acting at a young age. After studying theater at McGill University, he began his professional career in Canadian radio and television before making his Broadway debut in the early 1950s.

Shatner's breakthrough came in 1966 when he was cast in the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the groundbreaking science fiction television series Star Trek. As the charismatic and intrepid captain of the starship USS Enterprise, Shatner became a cultural icon, embodying the spirit of exploration and adventure that defined the beloved series. Throughout the original Star Trek series, which ran from 1966 to 1969, Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk endeared him to legions of fans worldwide. His dynamic on-screen chemistry with his fellow cast members, particularly Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, and his iconic delivery of lines such as "Beam me up, Scotty," solidified his status as a pop culture legend. Following the conclusion of Star Trek, Shatner continued to enjoy success in film, television, and theater. He starred in numerous movies, including Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and several subsequent Star Trek films, as well as in television series such as T.J. Hooker (1982-1986) and Boston Legal (2004-2008), for which he won two Emmy Awards.

In addition to his acting career, Shatner is a prolific author, having penned several best-selling books, including science fiction novels, memoirs, and motivational works. He is also an accomplished musician, with several albums to his name, showcasing his talents as a singer and spoken-word performer. Throughout his life and career, William Shatner has remained a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry, known for his wit, charm, and boundless creativity. Whether exploring the final frontier aboard the USS Enterprise or captivating audiences with his literary and musical endeavors, Shatner continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, leaving an enduring legacy as one of Hollywood's most iconic stars.

Get a Life!

Get a Life! is not only a catchphrase but also the title of a poignant and humorous autobiography penned by renowned actor and comedian William Shatner. Published in 1999, the book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into Shatner's life and career, filled with candid anecdotes, reflections, and insights. Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, William Shatner rose to prominence as a cultural icon through his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the groundbreaking science fiction television series "Star Trek." However, Get a Life! goes beyond Shatner's legendary role as a starship captain to explore the many facets of his multifaceted career. The book delves into Shatner's early years, chronicling his journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. Raised in a middle-class Jewish family, Shatner discovered his passion for acting at a young age, eventually studying theater at McGill University before embarking on a career in Canadian radio and television.

Central to Get a Life! is Shatner's reflection on the enduring legacy of Star Trek and its impact on his life and career. As Captain Kirk, Shatner became a pop culture icon, beloved by fans around the world for his dynamic portrayal of the intrepid starship captain. The book offers behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his time on the set of "Star Trek" and explores the enduring appeal of the beloved series. Beyond Star Trek, Get a Life! delves into Shatner's diverse body of work in film, television, and theater. From his roles in iconic films such as The Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983) to his Emmy-winning performance in the legal drama Boston Legal (2004-2008), Shatner's career has been characterized by versatility, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In addition to his acting career, Get a Life! highlights Shatner's ventures as an author, musician, and philanthropist. The book offers readers a glimpse into Shatner's personal life, including his relationships, family, and the values that have shaped his worldview. With wit, charm, and self-deprecating humor, Get a Life! invites readers to accompany William Shatner on a journey of self-discovery and laughter. Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Shatner offers valuable insights into the entertainment industry and the enduring power of storytelling to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.

Height

William Shatner is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.

William Shatner and the Michael Myers Halloween Mask

There is no direct association between William Shatner and the character Michael Myers from the Halloween film series. However, the mask worn by Michael Myers in the original Halloween (1978) was a Captain Kirk mask that had been altered. The mask was reportedly purchased for less than $2 and modified by the film's production team to create the eerie visage of the iconic horror villain. Despite the resemblance, Shatner himself has expressed surprise and amusement at the mask's origin, but there is no direct connection between him and the character Michael Myers or the Halloween films.

Is William Shatner Jewish?

Yes, William Shatner is Jewish. He was born to Jewish parents and has identified himself as Jewish throughout his life.

In 2006, William Shatner sold which item on eBay for $25,000?

In 2006, William Shatner sold his kidney stone on eBay for $25,000. He decided to auction off the kidney stone after passing it, with the proceeds going to charity. This unusual auction garnered significant media attention and became a topic of fascination among fans and the public.

 

William Shatner quotes

"Live life. No matter what."

"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge."

"I'm not a Starfleet commander, or T.J. Hooker. I don't live on Starship NCC-1701, or own a phaser. And I don't know anybody named Bones, Sulu, or Spock. And no, I've never had green alien sex, but I'm sure it'd be quite an evening. I speak English and French, not Klingon!"

"Confront a child, a puppy, and a kitten with sudden danger; the child will turn instinctively for assistance, the puppy will grovel in abject submission, the kitten will brace its tiny body for a frantic resistance."

"It is I, Captain James T. Kirk!"

"If saving money is wrong, I don't want to be right!"

"We're all going to die, all of us; what a circus! That alone should make us love each other, but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities; we are eaten up by nothing."

"The miracles of the church seem to me to rest not so much upon faces or voices or healing power coming suddenly near to us from afar off, but upon our perceptions being made finer, so that for a moment our eyes can see and our ears can hear what is there about us always."

"You don't take a photograph, you make it."

"I've been given permission to do a one-man show. This means I can give up all pretense of humility and shout, 'Listen to me!'"