WILLIAM SHATNER

Candian-born actor William Shatner is widely recognized as Captain James T. Kirk in the popular Star Trek franchise. He has also had leading roles in several other hit shows, including the lawyer series The Practice and Boston Legal.

After college, Shatner got a job as a business manager for a playhouse. From there, he joined the theatre to learn classical Shakespearean acting. Starting in 1954, he played several roles at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and was soon cast as Ranger Bob on Howdy Doody Show. He landed a role on the Alfred Hitchcock Presents series, and of course, his big break came when he was cast in Star Trek, which ran from 1966 to 1969. After its cancellation, the show developed a cult following, and the actor and his Captain Kirk character became a cultural icon. Like his peers, Shatner continues to act today.