Challenges Faced by William Shatner: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of William Shatner. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

William Shatner is a Canadian actor whose career spans seven decades. He is most famous for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. He began portraying Kirk in 1966, as the captain of the USS Enterprise, and continued in the role until his last appearance in the film *Star Trek Generations* in 1994. Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk has made him a cultural icon.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1967: Possible Tinnitus Trigger

In 1967, William Shatner believes a pyrotechnical accident during the shooting of the Star Trek episode "Arena" may have triggered his tinnitus, a hearing disorder.

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1969: Post-Star Trek Difficulties

In 1969, following the cancellation of Star Trek, William Shatner experienced difficulty in finding employment and faced financial struggles, including living in a truck-bed camper.

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1993: Doohan declines Shatner interview

In 1993, James Doohan declined to be interviewed by William Shatner for his first memoir, Star Trek Memories, highlighting the strained relationship between the two actors.

Star Trek Memories

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1994: Filming Star Trek Generations

In 1994, while filming Star Trek Generations, William Shatner had to work with George Takei, Walter Koenig and James Doohan, with whom he had a difficult relationship.

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1997: Marriage to Nerine Kidd Against Advice

In 1997, William Shatner married Nerine Kidd against the advice of many and his own better judgement, with Leonard Nimoy serving as his best man.

August 9, 1999: Death of Nerine Kidd

On August 9, 1999, William Shatner found his third wife, Nerine Kidd, lifeless at the bottom of their swimming pool. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning due to alcohol and diazepam.

2004: Takei's memoir on issues with Shatner

In 2004, George Takei wrote about his issues with William Shatner in his memoir, To the Stars, highlighting the ongoing tensions between them.

2004: "What Have You Done" on "Has Been" Album

William Shatner's 2004 album "Has Been" included a spoken word piece titled "What Have You Done", which describes his anguish upon discovering Nerine Kidd's body.

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July 2007: No Role in Star Trek Film

In July 2007, J.J. Abrams stated that they were "desperately trying to figure out a way to put him in" the 2009 film Star Trek, but that to "shove him in ... would be a disaster".

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2009: No Role in Star Trek Film

In 2009, William Shatner was not offered a role in the Star Trek film.

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May 2011: $#*! My Dad Says Cancelled

In May 2011, the CBS sitcom $#*! My Dad Says, starring William Shatner, was cancelled three months after the first broadcast of its final episode.

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2016: Shatner reveals estrangement from Nimoy

In 2016, William Shatner revealed that he and Leonard Nimoy had not spoken in the five years prior to Nimoy's death the previous year, despite their long-standing friendship and professional relationship.

2023: Takei's continued hostility towards Shatner

In 2023, George Takei reiterated his long-standing animosity towards William Shatner, describing him as an "egocentric, self-involved prima donna" and dispelling the notion of a close friendship between Shatner and Leonard Nimoy.