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 renowned for his portrayal of James T. Kirk, the captain of the starship Enterprise, in the Star Trek franchise. His career spans seven decades, beginning with the original Star Trek television series in 1966 and concluding with his final appearance as Kirk in the film Star Trek Generations (1994). Shatner's role as Captain Kirk has cemented his place as a cultural icon.

Sections (5)

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

1967: Shatner experiences pyrotechnical accident

In 1967, William Shatner believes his tinnitus was triggered by a pyrotechnical accident during the shooting of the Star Trek episode "Arena".

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March 1969: Divorce from Gloria Rand

In March 1969, William Shatner divorced his first wife, Gloria Rand, after leaving her during the filming of Star Trek: The Original Series.

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1969: Star Trek cancelled

In 1969, after achieving modest ratings, Star Trek was cancelled after three seasons and seventy-nine episodes, ending Shatner's initial run as Captain Kirk.

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1969: Career struggles after Star Trek cancellation

In 1969, following the cancellation of Star Trek, William Shatner experienced career difficulties and financial hardship, including a period of living in a truck-bed camper.

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1994: Filming Star Trek Generations

In 1994, While filming Star Trek Generations, Shatner recalled having to work with George Takei, and James Doohan again, acknowledging the resentment that they felt towards him.

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1996: Divorce from Marcy Lafferty

In 1996, William Shatner divorced Marcy Lafferty, ending his longest marriage, which lasted from 1973.

1997: Marriage to Nerine Kidd Against Advice

In 1997, William Shatner married Nerine Kidd, against the advice of many, with Leonard Nimoy serving as his best man. The marriage was marked by Nerine's struggle with alcoholism.

August 9, 1999: Death of Nerine Kidd Shatner

On August 9, 1999, William Shatner found his third wife, Nerine Kidd, deceased in their swimming pool. Her death was ruled as accidental drowning, with alcohol and diazepam found in her blood.

2008: Disclosure of Leonard Nimoy's attempt to help Nerine Kidd

In his 2008 autobiography, William Shatner revealed Leonard Nimoy's efforts to help Nerine Kidd with her alcoholism.

Up Till Now: The Autobiography

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2016: Revelation of Estrangement from Leonard Nimoy

In 2016, William Shatner revealed that he and Leonard Nimoy had not spoken to each other in the five years prior to Nimoy's death the year before, despite their long friendship.