William Shatner is a Canadian actor best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. His portrayal of Kirk spanned over several decades, starting from the second pilot of the original Star Trek series in 1966 to his final appearance in the seventh Star Trek film, Star Trek Generations, in 1994.
1905: Birth of Ann (Garmaise) Shatner
William Shatner's mother, Ann (Garmaise) Shatner, was born in 1905.
1928: Birth of Joy Rutenberg
William Shatner's older sister, Joy Rutenberg, was born in 1928.
March 22, 1931: William Shatner's Birth
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
1940: Birth of Farla Cohen
William Shatner's younger sister, Farla Cohen, was born in 1940.
1951: Film Debut in "The Butler's Night Off"
William Shatner began his film career in 1951 with a role as "a crook" in the Canadian comedy drama, The Butler's Night Off.
1952: Graduation from McGill University
William Shatner graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1952.
1954: Move to New York City
William Shatner moved to New York City in 1954 to pursue a career on the Broadway stage.
August 12, 1956: Shatner Marries Gloria Rand
On August 12, 1956, William Shatner married Canadian actress Gloria Rand.
1956: Broadway Debut in "Tamburlaine"
William Shatner made his Broadway debut in 1956, appearing in Marlowe's Tamburlaine.
1957: Appearance in Alfred Hitchcock Presents
William Shatner appeared in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1957.
December 1958: Appearance in "The Christmas Tree"
In December 1958, William Shatner appeared in a Hallmark Hall of Fame live television production entitled "The Christmas Tree."
1958: Shatner's Daughter Leslie is Born
William Shatner's first daughter, Leslie, was born in 1958.
1959: "The World of Suzie Wong" and "Nero Wolfe"
In 1959, William Shatner appeared in the Broadway production "The World of Suzie Wong" and filmed a pilot for a potential "Nero Wolfe" television series.
1960: Early Television Roles
In 1960, William Shatner appeared in notable television series, including two episodes of "The Twilight Zone" ("Nick of Time" and "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet") and two episodes of NBC's Western series "Outlaws".
1961: Broadway Debut and Notable Film Roles
1961 marked William Shatner's Broadway debut in "A Shot in the Dark" alongside Julie Harris. The same year, he also had notable film roles in "The Intruder" and "Judgment at Nuremberg".
1961: Shatner's Daughter Lisabeth is Born
William Shatner's second daughter, Lisabeth, was born in 1961.
1962: Lead Role in "The Intruder"
William Shatner took on the lead role in Roger Corman's film "The Intruder" in 1962, a performance that garnered positive critical attention.
1963: Expanding Acting Repertoire
In 1963, William Shatner further diversified his acting portfolio with appearances in television series such as "Thriller" ("The Grim Reaper" and "The Hungry Glass"), "Channing", and "Route 66", and also took on roles in films like "The Explosive Generation".
1964: Shatner and Nimoy Appear in The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy first appeared on screen together in 1964 in an episode of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." titled "The Project Strigas Affair."
1964: Shatner's Daughter Melanie is Born
William Shatner's third daughter, Melanie, was born in 1964.
1965: Lead Role in "For the People"
In 1965, William Shatner landed the lead role in the legal drama "For the People". The show's cancellation after one season paved the way for his iconic role in "Star Trek" the following year.
1966: Unique Roles in "Incubus" and "Gunsmoke"
William Shatner had a unique year in 1966, starring in the Esperanto-language horror film "Incubus" and appearing as Fred Bateman in an episode of the popular Western series "Gunsmoke".
1966: Captain Kirk and the Beginning of "Star Trek"
In 1966, William Shatner's career reached new heights as he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in the second pilot of "Star Trek", titled "Where No Man Has Gone Before". This marked the beginning of his iconic role that would shape his career and leave a lasting legacy in popular culture.
1966: Star Trek Debut
In 1966, William Shatner debuted as Captain James T. Kirk in the second pilot of the original Star Trek television series.
1967: Possible Origin of Shatner's Tinnitus
William Shatner believes his tinnitus, a hearing disorder, might have originated from a pyrotechnical accident during the filming of the Star Trek episode "Arena" in 1967.
1967: Death of Joseph Shatner
William Shatner's father, Joseph Shatner, passed away in 1967.
April 1968: Fan Frenzy Incident
In April 1968, William Shatner experienced an extreme reaction from fans when a group of Trekkies attempted to tear his clothes off as he left 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This incident highlighted the intense adoration and sometimes overzealous behavior of Star Trek fans.
November 22, 1968: Groundbreaking Interracial Kiss on "Star Trek"
On November 22, 1968, William Shatner, as Captain Kirk, participated in a groundbreaking moment in television history. His on-screen kiss with Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura, is widely considered the first interracial kiss on scripted U.S. television.
1968: Dual Roles in "White Comanche"
In the 1968 Spaghetti Western "White Comanche", William Shatner took on the challenge of playing dual roles - the virtuous gunslinger Johnny Moon and his evil twin Notah, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1968: The Transformed Man Release
William Shatner released his first album as a recording artist, The Transformed Man, in 1968.
1968: Shatner Releases Debut Album "The Transformed Man"
William Shatner's debut album, "The Transformed Man", was released in 1968. It featured dramatic readings from classical plays interspersed with spoken-word renditions of popular songs, all set against a backdrop of instrumental accompaniment. Notably, Shatner covered songs like Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" and The Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", showcasing his unique talk-singing style.
1968: Unaired Pilot and Reflections on "Alexander the Great"
In 1968, the pilot for "Alexander the Great" starring William Shatner as Alexander and Adam West as Cleander, filmed in 1964, was finally aired. However, the series itself was not picked up, and both Shatner and West later expressed mixed feelings about the project.
March 1969: Shatner and Gloria Rand Divorce
William Shatner and Gloria Rand divorced in March 1969. This followed Shatner leaving Rand while working on Star Trek: The Original Series.
1969: End of "Star Trek's" Original Run
Despite its cultural impact, "Star Trek's" original run ended in 1969 after three seasons. The show's cancellation marked a turning point for Shatner, who faced new challenges in his career.
1969: Post "Star Trek" Struggles
After "Star Trek" ended in 1969, William Shatner faced a challenging period in his career. Typecast as Captain Kirk, he struggled to find work, leading to financial hardship and personal difficulties. This period, which he referred to as "that period", tested his resilience and forced him to take on various jobs to support his family.
1969: Star Trek: The Original Series Ends
"Star Trek: The Original Series" was canceled in 1969.
1971: Shatner's Live Performance Later Released as "William Shatner Live"
William Shatner delivered a live performance in 1971, which would later be released as a double album in 1977.
1971: Critically Acclaimed Performance in "The Andersonville Trial"
In 1971, William Shatner received critical acclaim for his performance as a prosecutor in a PBS adaptation of "The Andersonville Trial", showcasing his dramatic range beyond his "Star Trek" persona.
1972: Film Roles in "The People"
In 1972, William Shatner took on a major role in the film "The People", further diversifying his acting portfolio beyond science fiction.
1973: Starring in "The Horror at 37,000 Feet"
In 1973, William Shatner had a starring role in the film "The Horror at 37,000 Feet", a notable entry in his filmography during this phase of his career.
1973: Voice Acting in "Star Trek: The Animated Series"
In 1973, William Shatner returned to the role of Captain Kirk, lending his voice to the animated "Star Trek" series. This allowed him to stay connected to the franchise while exploring other acting opportunities.
1973: Shatner Marries Marcy Lafferty
William Shatner married Marcy Lafferty, the daughter of television producer Perry Lafferty, in 1973.
1974: B-Movie Roles and "Big Bad Mama"
In 1974, William Shatner appeared in Roger Corman's B-movie "Big Bad Mama", a notable entry in his filmography during this phase of his career.
1975: Diverse Roles and "The Devil's Rain"
William Shatner continued to explore diverse roles in 1975, appearing in the horror film "The Devil's Rain" and taking on a starring role in the western-themed secret agent series "Barbary Coast".
1976: Almost Hosting "Family Feud"
In 1976, William Shatner was considered for the hosting role of "Family Feud", but ultimately, Richard Dawson was chosen. This anecdote highlights Shatner's popularity and potential for hosting game shows.
1976: Continuing with "Barbary Coast"
William Shatner's role in the western-themed secret agent series "Barbary Coast" continued into 1976, solidifying his presence on television.
1977: Release of "William Shatner Live"
In 1977, a live performance that William Shatner had given during a 1971 tour was released as a double album titled "William Shatner Live". The album included anecdotes about his experiences on "Star Trek" and readings from literary works such as Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac", H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds", and Bertolt Brecht's "Galileo".
1977: Star Wars' Success Influences Star Trek
In 1977, the huge success of George Lucas's film Star Wars led Paramount to shift their plans from producing a Star Trek television series to creating a feature film. This decision marked a turning point for the Star Trek franchise, ultimately leading to the production of Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
1977: "Kingdom of the Spiders" and Guest Appearances
In 1977, William Shatner starred in the horror film "Kingdom of the Spiders" and made notable guest appearances on popular television shows like "Columbo", "Ironside", "Kung Fu", "Mission: Impossible", "The Rookies", and "The Six Million Dollar Man".
1977: Memorable Game Show Appearances
In 1977, William Shatner became known for his memorable game show appearances. Notably, he had a now-famous blunder on "The $10,000 Pyramid" where he accidentally gave away the answer, leading to his partner's disqualification. His frustrated reaction, throwing a chair, has become a viral moment in game show history.
1978: "Rocket Man" Performance
Shatner performed "Rocket Man" at the Saturn Awards in 1978.
1979: Release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture
In 1979, William Shatner and the original cast of Star Trek reprised their roles for the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. This marked the franchise's debut on the big screen, broadening its audience and setting the stage for future films.
1982: Airplane II: The Sequel
In 1982, Shatner mocked the superhuman persona of Captain Kirk in the comedy film Airplane II: The Sequel. His role added a humorous twist to his iconic character, showing his versatility as an actor.
1982: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
In 1982, Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The film was a critical and commercial success, solidifying the franchise's place in cinematic history.
1982: T. J. Hooker Debut
In 1982, William Shatner began starring as a veteran Los Angeles police sergeant in the television series T. J. Hooker. The show ran for five seasons and significantly boosted Shatner's television career.
1982: Shatner and Heather Locklear Become Friends
William Shatner and Heather Locklear became friends in 1982 when they co-starred in "T. J. Hooker."
1982: T.J. Hooker Premiere
William Shatner began starring as the veteran police sergeant in the television series T.J. Hooker in 1982.
May 19, 1983: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On May 19, 1983, William Shatner received the 1,762nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring his iconic status as Captain Kirk and his contributions to television and film.
1984: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
In 1984, William Shatner continued his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. The film further expanded the Star Trek universe and continued the storyline from the previous installment.
1986: End of T.J. Hooker
William Shatner's run as the lead in the television series T.J. Hooker concluded in 1986.
1986: End of T. J. Hooker
In 1986, the television series T. J. Hooker, in which Shatner starred, concluded after five successful seasons. The show had partnered him with actors Heather Locklear and James Darren.
1986: SNL 'Get a Life' Sketch
In 1986, Shatner appeared in a memorable Saturday Night Live sketch where he told a room full of Trekkies to 'get a life.' The sketch humorously reflected his critical view of some fans' extreme devotion to Star Trek.
1986: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
In 1986, Shatner starred in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The movie was notable for its environmental message and for being one of the most successful films in the Star Trek franchise.
December 1989: This Is Your Life Appearance
In December 1989, William Shatner was featured on the British television series This Is Your Life. Host Michael Aspel surprised Shatner on the set of the Starship Enterprise at Universal Studios, leading to a recounting of the actor's life and career.
1989: Rescue 911 Hosting
In 1989, Shatner began hosting the dramatic re-enactment series Rescue 911. The show became popular, running until 1996 and adding another successful project to Shatner's career during the 1980s.
1989: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
In 1989, William Shatner both directed and starred in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Despite high expectations, the film received mixed reviews, with Shatner attributing the film's shortcomings to weak visual effects.
1989: TekWar Publication
In 1989, William Shatner published his first novel, TekWar, which he co-wrote with Ron Goulart. The book launched a successful series and expanded into television movies and a TV series.
1989: Rescue 911 Host
William Shatner began hosting the reality-based television series Rescue 911 in 1989.
1991: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
In 1991, Shatner reprised his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. The film addressed themes of political change and was well-received by both fans and critics.
1992: Performance at MTV Movie Awards
Shatner performed versions of the Best Song nominees at the 1992 MTV Movie Awards.
1992: Death of Ann Shatner
William Shatner's mother, Ann Shatner, passed away in 1992.
1993: Doohan Declines Interview for Shatner's Memoir
James Doohan declined to be interviewed by William Shatner for his 1993 memoir, "Star Trek Memories", highlighting the strained relationship between them at the time.
1993: Shatner Publishes Star Trek Memories
In 1993, William Shatner published his book "Star Trek Memories," where he shared his dislike for watching himself perform, noting that he hadn't seen certain episodes of the original Star Trek series.
1993: National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1
In 1993, Shatner lampooned his Captain Kirk persona in National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1. His comedic performance demonstrated his ability to engage in self-parody and entertain audiences.
1994: Star Trek Generations
In 1994, Shatner's character Captain Kirk met his end in Star Trek Generations. The film served as a bridge between the original series and The Next Generation, marking a significant moment in the franchise's history.
1994: C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures CEO
In 1994, William Shatner became the chief executive officer of C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, a special effects studio based in Toronto, Ontario. The company operated until 2010, contributing to various film and television projects.
1994: Shatner Films Star Trek Generations
William Shatner filmed "Star Trek Generations" in 1994, during which he worked with Walter Koenig and James Doohan again.
1994: Final Appearance as Captain Kirk
William Shatner made his final appearance as Captain James T. Kirk in the seventh Star Trek feature film, Star Trek Generations, in 1994.
1994: Shatner as Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade
William Shatner served as the Grand Marshal of the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day 1994. Notably, he led the parade on horseback instead of the customary classic car.
1994: Columbo Guest Appearance
In 1994, Shatner appeared on the television series Columbo, playing the murderer-of-the-week in the episode 'Butterfly in Shades of Grey.' His performance added another notable role to his television career.
1995: Trinity and Beyond Narration
In 1995, Shatner narrated Peter Kuran's documentary film Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie. His narration contributed to the film's exploration of the history of nuclear weapons testing.
1996: Rescue 911 Ends
William Shatner's time as host of Rescue 911 came to an end in 1996.
1996: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Guest Appearance
In 1996, Shatner guest-starred in the television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in an episode titled 'Eye, Tooth.' His appearance showcased his versatility and willingness to engage with different genres and audiences.
1996: End of Rescue 911
In 1996, the series Rescue 911, hosted by William Shatner, concluded its run. The show had been a popular program, further establishing Shatner's versatility as a host and actor.
1996: Shatner and Marcy Lafferty Divorce
William Shatner and Marcy Lafferty's marriage ended in divorce in 1996, marking the end of Shatner's longest marriage.
1997: Shatner Marries Nerine Kidd
William Shatner married Nerine Kidd in 1997.
1997: Starfleet Academy Video Game
In 1997, William Shatner made his final appearances as James T. Kirk in the movie sequences of the video game Starfleet Academy. This marked an innovative extension of the Star Trek universe into interactive media.
1997: Leonard Nimoy Serves as Shatner's Best Man
Leonard Nimoy served as William Shatner's best man at his wedding to Nerine Kidd in 1997.
1998: Collaboration on "Fear of Pop: Volume 1"
Ben Folds's 1998 album "Fear of Pop: Volume 1" features Shatner on "In Love" and "Still in Love".
1998: A Twist in the Tale Narration
In 1998, Shatner narrated the television miniseries A Twist in the Tale, which was shot in New Zealand. His narration added depth to the series' storytelling.
1998: Free Enterprise Movie
In 1998, Shatner starred in the romantic comedy movie Free Enterprise, where he played a caricature of himself. The film satirized the extreme idolatry some Trekkies had for Captain Kirk, showcasing Shatner's ability to poke fun at his own image.
May 1999: Publication of Get a Life!
In May 1999, William Shatner released his book Get a Life!, a memoir reflecting on his experiences with Trekkies. The book includes anecdotes from Star Trek conventions and interviews with devoted fans.
August 9, 1999: Nerine Kidd Dies
William Shatner's third wife, Nerine Kidd, died on August 9, 1999. The cause of death was determined to be accidental drowning.
1999: Heather Locklear Comforts Shatner
After Nerine Shatner's death in 1999, Heather Locklear comforted William Shatner.
1999: 3rd Rock from the Sun Guest Role
In 1999, Shatner appeared in the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun as the 'Big Giant Head,' a high-ranking alien officer. His role continued into 2000 and earned him an Emmy Award nomination.
1999: Publication of Book About Star Trek Fandom
In 1999, Shatner wrote a book about Star Trek fandom, which would later serve as the basis for the 2012 documentary Get a Life!.
2000: Voice Acting in "Buzz Lightyear"
Shatner provided the voice of Buzz Lightyear for the Star Command anthem in "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins" (2000).
2000: Miss Congeniality Release
William Shatner appeared in the comedy film Miss Congeniality in 2000.
2000: Supporting Role in Miss Congeniality
In 2000, Shatner played the supporting role of Stan Fields, the co-host of the Miss United States Pageant, in the Sandra Bullock comedy movie Miss Congeniality.
2000: Shatner Plans The Shiva Club
In 2000, William Shatner planned to write and direct "The Shiva Club," a dark comedy about grieving inspired by his wife's death.
2000: Continuation of 3rd Rock from the Sun Role
In 2000, William Shatner continued his role as the 'Big Giant Head' in the television series 3rd Rock from the Sun. His performance in the series earned him critical acclaim and further solidified his place in television history.
2001: Voice Acting in Osmosis Jones and Hosting Miss USA Pageant
In 2001, Shatner lent his voice to Mayor Phlegmming in the animated movie Osmosis Jones and hosted the Miss USA Pageant in Gary, Indiana, mirroring his role in Miss Congeniality.
2001: Shatner Marries Elizabeth Anderson Martin
William Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin in 2001.
June 28, 2002: Duet with Brian Evans
On June 28, 2002, Shatner appeared with Brian Evans at the San Carlos Institute Theatre in Key West, Florida, duetting on "What Kind of Fool Am I" and "The Lady Is a Tramp".
2003: Music Video Appearances
In 2003, Shatner appeared in Brad Paisley's Celebrity and Online music videos alongside Little Jimmy Dickens, Jason Alexander, and Trista Rehn.
August 2004: Shatner and Doohan Reconcile
In August 2004, it was reported that William Shatner and James Doohan had reconciled after years of animosity. Doohan, who was suffering from severe health problems at the time, forgave Shatner and the two actors finally built a rapport.
October 2004: Release of "Has Been"
William Shatner's second studio album, "Has Been", was released in October 2004, marking his return to music after over three decades. The album, produced by Ben Folds, included collaborations with Folds and a cover of Pulp's hit song "Common People" featuring Joe Jackson.
October 2004: Star Trek: Enterprise Role Cancellation
In October 2004, it was revealed that plans for a three-episode arc guest-starring William Shatner in Star Trek: Enterprise were cancelled due to the series' cancellation.
2004: Shatner Releases Has Been
William Shatner's album "Has Been" was released in 2004, featuring "What Have You Done," a spoken-word piece reflecting his grief over Nerine Kidd's death.
2004: Denny Crane Debut
William Shatner debuted as attorney Denny Crane in the final season of the legal show The Practice in 2004.
2004: Shatner and Elizabeth Anderson Martin Co-Write "Together"
Elizabeth Anderson Martin co-wrote the song "Together" on William Shatner's 2004 album "Has Been."
June 9, 2005: Performance at George Lucas's AFI Award
On June 9, 2005, Shatner performed "My Way" at George Lucas's AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony.
December 11, 2005: Appearance on "Last Laugh 2005"
Shatner appeared in a skit on Comedy Central's "Last Laugh 2005" on December 11, 2005.
2005: Locklear Guest Stars on Boston Legal
Heather Locklear guest-starred in two episodes of "Boston Legal" in 2005.
2005: Contribution to Lemon Jelly Album
In 2005, Shatner was featured on the track "'64 - Go" on Lemon Jelly's album "'64 - '95".
2005: Golden Globe and Emmy Win for Boston Legal
Shatner won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award in 2005 for his portrayal of Denny Crane in Boston Legal, becoming one of the few actors to win an Emmy for the same character in two different shows.
March 29, 2006: "Living in TV Land" Episode
TV Land aired a Shatner-focused episode of "Living in TV Land" titled "William Shatner in Concert" on March 29, 2006.
May 16, 2006: Shatner Auctions Kidney Stone for Charity
On May 16, 2006, William Shatner sold a surgically removed kidney stone for $25,000 to GoldenPalace.com. The proceeds, along with an additional $20,000, were donated to Habitat for Humanity.
2006: Voice Acting in Animated Films
Shatner provided voiceovers for two prominent animated films in 2006, voicing Ozzie in DreamWorks' Over the Hedge and the villain Kazar in Disney's The Wild.
2006: Emmy Nomination for Boston Legal
Shatner received an Emmy nomination in 2006 for his role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal.
2006: DirecTV Advertisement
In 2006, Shatner reprised his role as Captain Kirk in a DirecTV advertisement, which used footage from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. This appearance highlighted the enduring popularity of his iconic character.
January 2007: Launch of ShatnerVision
In January 2007, Shatner started posting daily autobiographical vlogs on the LiveVideo platform under the project name ShatnerVision.
July 2007: No Role in 2009 Star Trek Film
In July 2007, it was confirmed that Shatner would not have a role in the 2009 Star Trek film, with director J.J. Abrams stating it would be "a disaster" to include him.
2007: Emmy Nomination for Boston Legal
Shatner received another Emmy nomination in 2007 for his role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal.
2007: "Has Been" Inspires Dance Project
Shatner's album "Has Been" was adapted into a dance project called "Common People" in 2007.
December 2008: Premiere of Shatner's Raw Nerve
In December 2008, Shatner experimented with the talk show format by hosting the humorous series Shatner's Raw Nerve.
2008: Publication of Up Till Now
Shatner's memoir, Up Till Now, co-written with David Fisher, was published in 2008.
2008: End of Boston Legal
William Shatner concluded his role as Denny Crane in the legal drama Boston Legal in 2008.
2008: Shatner Publishes Up Till Now: The Autobiography
William Shatner released his autobiography, "Up Till Now: The Autobiography," in 2008. In it, he discussed Leonard Nimoy's efforts to help Nerine Kidd with her alcoholism.
2008: Emmy Nomination for Boston Legal
Shatner was nominated for an Emmy Award again in 2008 for his portrayal of Denny Crane in Boston Legal.
April 17, 2009: Premiere of "William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet"
The documentary "William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet", based on Shatner's album "Has Been", premiered at the Nashville Film Festival on April 17, 2009.
July 27, 2009: Poetry Slam on Sarah Palin's Resignation
On July 27, 2009, Shatner appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and performed a poetry slam inspired by Sarah Palin's resignation speech as the Governor of Alaska.
December 11, 2009: Reading Excerpts from Sarah Palin's Autobiography
On December 11, 2009, Shatner returned to The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien and read excerpts from Sarah Palin's autobiography, Going Rogue: An American Life. Palin, in return, read excerpts from Shatner's memoir, Up Till Now.
2009: Voice Acting in The Gavones
Shatner lent his voice to the character Don Salmonella in the animated series The Gavones in 2009.
2009: Emmy Nomination for Boston Legal
Shatner received his final Emmy nomination for his role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal in 2009.
2009: Release of 2009 Star Trek Film
The 2009 Star Trek film, in which Shatner did not appear, was released.
2009: Release of Star Trek Film Directed by J.J. Abrams
The first Star Trek film directed by J.J. Abrams was released in 2009. This film would later be a topic of discussion in Shatner's documentary The Captains.
February 1, 2010: Guest Appearance on "WWE Raw"
Shatner guest-hosted "WWE Raw" on February 1, 2010, performing wrestler entrance themes.
April 2010: Premiere of Weird or What
Shatner began hosting the Discovery Channel show Weird or What in April 2010, exploring unusual topics like UFOs and cryptozoology.
2010: Closure of C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures
In 2010, C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, the special effects studio where William Shatner served as CEO, closed its doors. The company had been operational since 1994, making significant contributions to the industry.
2010: Positive Remarks on 2009 Star Trek Film
Shatner described the 2009 Star Trek film as "wonderful" at a convention in 2010.
March 7, 2011: Shatner's Voice Used for NASA Wake-Up Call
On March 7, 2011, NASA used Shatner's voice for a wake-up call for the crew of STS-133 on the Space Shuttle Discovery.
March 2011: End of Shatner's Raw Nerve
Shatner's talk show, Shatner's Raw Nerve, aired its final episode in March 2011.
May 2011: Cancellation of $#*! My Dad Says
The CBS sitcom $#*! My Dad Says, starring Shatner, was cancelled in May 2011, three months after its final episode aired.
October 2011: Release of "Seeking Major Tom"
"Seeking Major Tom", William Shatner's third studio album, was released in October 2011. The album, initially announced as "Searching for Major Tom", showcased an astronautical theme and heavy metal influences, featuring covers of iconic songs such as Pink Floyd's "Learning to Fly", David Bowie's "Space Oddity", and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody". Shatner collaborated with renowned musicians for this project, including Brad Paisley, Zakk Wylde, Peter Frampton, Brian May, Steve Howe, John Wetton, Ritchie Blackmore, Alan Parsons, and Bootsy Collins.
2011: Honorary Doctorate from McGill University
William Shatner received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from McGill University in 2011.
2011: Seeking Major Tom Release
William Shatner released his third album, Seeking Major Tom, in 2011.
2011: Koenig Appears on Shatner's Show
Walter Koenig appeared on William Shatner's interview series "Shatner's Raw Nerve" in 2011, indicating that any animosity between them had dissipated.
August 2012: End of Weird or What
The Discovery Channel show Weird or What, hosted by Shatner, ended in August 2012.
2012: Broadway Debut and Television Appearances
Shatner had a busy 2012, starting with his Broadway debut in Shatner's World: We Just Live in It, followed by appearances on Have I Got News for You and in the documentary Get a Life! on Epix.
October 2013: "Ponder the Mystery" Album Release
Shatner's fifteen-track album, "Ponder the Mystery", produced by Billy Sherwood, was released in October 2013.
2013: Academy Awards Appearance
In 2013, William Shatner made a comedic appearance as Captain Kirk at the Academy Awards, interacting with host Seth MacFarlane. This event showcased his enduring connection to the character and his ability to engage audiences across different media.
April 24, 2014: Shatner's Autobiographical One-Man Show on Broadway
On April 24, 2014, William Shatner performed an autobiographical one-man show on Broadway, which was later filmed and screened in numerous theatres across Australia, Canada, and the United States. A significant portion of the revenue generated from this project was donated to charity.
2015: Television Roles in Murdoch Mysteries and Haven
In 2015, William Shatner took on notable television roles, portraying Mark Twain in an episode of the Canadian historical crime drama series "Murdoch Mysteries" and Croatoan, the formidable interdimensional father of Audrey Parker, in the final episodes of SyFy channel's fantasy series "Haven".
2015: Leonard Nimoy Dies
Leonard Nimoy died in 2015.
March 2016: Collaboration on "Last Chance To Hear"
Shatner provided lead vocals on "Spy In The Sky Part 3" for Ben Craven's album "Last Chance To Hear", released in March 2016.
August 23, 2016: Premiere of "Better Late Than Never"
The NBC reality miniseries "Better Late Than Never", featuring William Shatner and other aging celebrities including Terry Bradshaw, Jeff Dye, George Foreman, and Henry Winkler, premiered on August 23, 2016. The show documented their grand tour across Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.
September 2016: Shatner as Special Guest at Salt Lake Comic Con
William Shatner was the special guest at the Salt Lake Comic Con in September 2016, underscoring his status as a beloved figure in science fiction.
2016: Better Late Than Never Premiere
William Shatner started appearing in the comical travel series Better Late Than Never in 2016.
2016: Shatner Reveals Lack of Communication with Nimoy
In 2016, William Shatner revealed that he and Leonard Nimoy had not spoken for five years prior to Nimoy's death.
December 11, 2017: Preview of "Better Late Than Never" Season 2
A preview episode of the second season of "Better Late Than Never" aired on December 11, 2017.
2017: Shatner Singularity Wins Independent Publisher Book Award
In 2017, Shatner Singularity, a comic book publishing company founded by William Shatner, received the Outstanding Books of the Year Independent Voice Award from the Independent Publisher Book Awards for the graphic novel "Stan Lee's 'God Woke'", created by Stan Lee, Mariano, and Fabian Nicieza.
2017: Shatner as Honorary Captain on Star Trek Cruise
In 2017, William Shatner served as the honorary captain of a ship hosting the first officially licensed Star Trek cruise, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original series.
2017: Better Late Than Never Season Two
William Shatner continued to star in the second season of Better Late Than Never in 2017.
2017: Shatner's Twitter Controversy with Autism Speaks
William Shatner sparked controversy in 2017 by tweeting support for Autism Speaks, a charity criticized by some autism self-advocates. He engaged in arguments with critics, leading to accusations of insensitivity and ableism.
May 2018: Honorary Doctorate from New England Institute of Technology
William Shatner received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from the New England Institute of Technology in May 2018.
August 2018: "Why Not Me" Album Release
Shatner's first venture into country music, "Why Not Me", was released in August 2018.
October 2018: "Shatner Claus" Album Release
A holiday album, "Shatner Claus", was released in October 2018.
2018: Shatner Objects to Dolphins on Star Trek Cruise
William Shatner voiced his opposition to the inclusion of swimming with dolphins on the 2018 Star Trek cruise, citing ethical concerns and referencing the "Prime Directive" from Star Trek.
2018: Shatner Receives NRHA Lifetime Achievement Award
William Shatner was awarded the National Reining Horse Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, recognizing his contributions to the equestrian world.
2018: Official Premiere of "Better Late Than Never" Season 2
The official premiere of the second season of "Better Late Than Never" took place on New Year's Day in 2018.
2018: Better Late Than Never Concludes
William Shatner appeared in the final season of Better Late Than Never in 2018.
2019: "The UnXplained" Premieres on History Channel
William Shatner began hosting and executive producing the television series "The UnXplained" on the History Channel in 2019.
2019: Shatner Files for Divorce from Elizabeth
William Shatner filed for divorce from Elizabeth Anderson Martin in 2019.
January 2020: Shatner's Divorce from Elizabeth is Finalized
William Shatner's divorce from Elizabeth Anderson Martin was finalized in January 2020.
October 2, 2020: "The Blues" Album Release
William Shatner's ninth album, "The Blues", was released on October 2, 2020.
2020: Shatner's Twitter Argument over "Straight White Cis Man" Label
In 2020, William Shatner engaged in a prolonged Twitter argument about being labeled a "straight white cis man", highlighting ongoing debates about identity and privilege.
2020: Shatner Reveals Health Issues and Use of CBD Oil
William Shatner revealed in 2020 that he suffers from age-related aches, pains, and swollen joints, which he treats with cannabidiol (CBD) oil.
March 2021: Release of "Senior Moment"
In March 2021, the film "Senior Moment", starring William Shatner, Jean Smart, and Christopher Lloyd, was released, coinciding with Shatner's 90th birthday.
July 2021: Wally Funk Becomes Oldest Person in Space
Wally Funk became the oldest person to fly into space at age 82 during Blue Origin's first crewed spaceflight in July 2021.
August 26, 2021: "Bill" Album Announcement
On August 26, 2021, William Shatner announced his tenth album, "Bill", which was later released on September 24th.
October 13, 2021: Blue Origin Spaceflight
Shatner participated in Blue Origin's second sub-orbital human spaceflight on October 13, 2021.
2021: Blue Origin Space Flight
William Shatner became the oldest person to fly in space at the age of 90 in 2021, when he flew aboard a Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule.
2021: "I Don't Understand with William Shatner" Announced on RT
In 2021, it was announced that William Shatner would host a popular science documentary show titled "I Don't Understand with William Shatner", scheduled to air on RT (formerly Russia Today) starting July 12th. This sparked political controversy due to RT's association with the Russian government. Shatner defended his involvement, drawing comparisons to RT's acquisition of broadcasting rights for American football games.
2021: Shatner's Dismissiveness of Jewish Convert of Color
In 2021, William Shatner was criticized for being dismissive of a Jewish convert of color, further fueling concerns about his sensitivity to issues of diversity and inclusivity.
February 24, 2022: Shatner Expresses Support for Ukraine and Withdraws from RT Show
On February 24, 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, William Shatner publicly expressed his unwavering support for the Ukrainian resistance through a statement on Twitter. Subsequently, on March 2, 2022, he withdrew from his science documentary show, "I Don't Understand with William Shatner", which was scheduled to air on RT (formerly Russia Today), citing the invasion as the reason for his decision.
December 4, 2022: Shatner's Appearance at L.A. Comic Con
William Shatner was a star guest at the L.A. Comic Con on December 4, 2022, highlighting his enduring popularity as a science fiction icon.
2022: Shatner Competes in "The Masked Singer"
William Shatner participated in the eighth season of "The Masked Singer" in 2022, disguised as "Knight", a character depicted as a knight riding a golden goose. He was eliminated in the first episode along with Eric Idle as "Hedgehog" and Chris Kirkpatrick as "Hummingbird".
2023: "The UnXplained" Concludes
"The UnXplained", hosted and executive produced by William Shatner, concluded in 2023 after receiving largely negative reviews from critics who found its subject matter too broad and its answers insufficiently satisfying.
2023: Takei's Continued Hostility Towards Shatner
In 2023, George Takei reiterated his hostility towards William Shatner, calling him a "cantankerous old fossil" and stating that all of the Star Trek cast had problems with him.
2023: Death of Joy Rutenberg
William Shatner's older sister, Joy Rutenberg, passed away in 2023.
May 19, 2024: Ed Dwight Becomes Oldest Person in Space
On May 19, 2024, Ed Dwight surpassed William Shatner's record to become the oldest person to fly into space at the age of 90 years and 253 days.