William Shatner Movies and TV Shows Life William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, producer, and director who has made a significant impact on both television and film over the decades. Most famous for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, Shatner’s career spans across a wide variety of genres, from science fiction to drama, comedy, and even reality television. Below is a complete look at his film and television career.
Early Career
Before Shatner’s breakout role as Captain Kirk, he had a series of early television appearances. His first major role was in the Canadian television series For the People (1959), and he appeared in various anthology series including The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Movies (William Shatner)
| Year | Movie Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | The Brothers Karamazov | Alexei Karamazov |
| 1966 | Star Trek: The Motion Picture | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1982 | Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1984 | Star Trek III: The Search for Spock | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1986 | Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1989 | Star Trek V: The Final Frontier | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1991 | Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1994 | Star Trek: Generations | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1997 | Star Trek: First Contact | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 2004 | Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous | Stan Fields |
| 2006 | Boston Legal (Film) | Denny Crane |
| 2009 | The Captains (Documentary) | Himself |
| 2013 | Star Trek: Into Darkness | Captain James T. Kirk |
TV Shows (William Shatner)
| Year | TV Show Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1954–1955 | Zane Grey Theater | Various Roles |
| 1962 | The Twilight Zone | “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” (Guest) |
| 1966–1969 | Star Trek | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1973 | Star Trek: The Animated Series | Captain James T. Kirk |
| 1982–1990 | T.J. Hooker | Officer T.J. Hooker |
| 1995–2001 | Boston Legal | Denny Crane |
| 2000–2001 | TekWar | Jake Cardigan |
| 2004–2008 | Shatner’s Raw Nerve | Himself |
| 2011 | The Shatner Project | Himself |
| 2013–2016 | Weird or What? | Host |
| 2015–2016 | Better Late Than Never | Himself |
| 2017–2021 | The UnXplained | Host |
| 2020 | The Priceline Commercials | Himself |
Iconic Television Roles Star Trek (1966–1969)
The role that truly defined William Shatner’s career was Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. The original series aired from 1966 to 1969, and Shatner’s portrayal of the brave and charismatic leader of the starship Enterprise made him a global icon. Star Trek became a cultural phenomenon, and Shatner’s performance is still celebrated by fans and critics alike. His leadership and distinctive acting style helped propel the show to immense popularity, even long after it was canceled.
Star Trek The Animated Series (1973–1974)
Following the original Star Trek series, Shatner reprised his role as Captain Kirk for Star Trek: The Animated Series. Though the show was short-lived, it is part of the broader Star Trek legacy.
Star Trek Movies (1979–1991)
William Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in several of the Star Trek films, starting with Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). He appeared in a total of six Star Trek films:
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
These films explored deeper themes of friendship, leadership, and the exploration of the unknown, all with Shatner’s Kirk at the helm.
T.J. Hooker (1982–1986)
In the 1980s, Shatner became a TV star again with his role as Sergeant T.J. Hooker in the cop drama T.J. Hooker. This series was a departure from science fiction, putting Shatner in the role of a street-smart police officer. The show was a hit and ran for five seasons.
Boston Legal (2004–2008)
In Boston Legal, Shatner portrayed the eccentric and often comical attorney Denny Crane. This role earned him critical acclaim and several awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His witty, larger-than-life portrayal of Crane became one of his most beloved roles.
Film Career
William Shatner’s film career has been quite varied, spanning genres from drama and action to comedy and horror.
The Intruder (1962)
Shatner starred in the 1962 film The Intruder, in which he played a character that opposed the integration of a high school in the South. The film was a critical success but not a major commercial one.
The Devil’s Rain (1975)
A cult horror film, The Devil’s Rain featured Shatner in a bizarre supernatural role, marking his foray into horror cinema.
Airplane IIT he Sequel (1982)
In Airplane II: The Sequel, Shatner embraced his comedic side. The movie is a parody of the disaster film genre, and Shatner plays a key role in this comedic sequel.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
In Miss Congeniality, Shatner appeared alongside Sandra Bullock, playing the role of Stan Fields, a former beauty pageant host. The movie became a box office success and is a fan favorite for Shatner’s comic timing.
Star Trek Generations (1994)
In Star Trek: Generations, Shatner returned as Captain Kirk, this time alongside Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart). Although Shatner’s appearance was brief, it marked a crossover between two generations of Star Trek fans.
Invasion Iowa (2005)
This project, a mockumentary television series, featured Shatner as himself. The show was designed as a humorous, behind-the-scenes look at the making of a movie in a small town, with Shatner orchestrating the chaos as part of a reality TV stunt.
Glen or Glenda (1953)
One of Shatner’s earliest film roles was in Glen or Glenda, directed by Ed Wood. Although a small part, this film is notable for its exploration of gender identity and is considered a cult classic.
Other Ventures Shatner Raw Nerve (2008–2011)
Shatner hosted a talk show, Shatner’s Raw Nerve, where he interviewed various celebrities and public figures. Known for his quirky and often candid style, Shatner brought his own unique energy to the talk show format.
Better Late Than Never (2016–2018)
In Better Late Than Never, Shatner starred alongside Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw as they traveled the world, experiencing new cultures and engaging in hilarious adventures. The show was part travel documentary and part comedy, with Shatner’s signature wit on full display.
Personal Projects and Documentaries
Shatner has also ventured into the world of documentaries, where he often explores themes of space, science fiction, and human experience. Notable documentaries include:
- The Captains (2011), a documentary Shatner directed about the various actors who have portrayed captains in the Star Trek franchise.
- Shatner’s World: We Just Live in It (2011), a one-man show in which Shatner talks about his career and life.
Legacy and Impact
William Shatner’s legacy is intertwined with the success of Star Trek and his contributions to pop culture. His portrayal of Captain Kirk remains iconic, and his influence can be seen across multiple generations of fans. Shatner’s unique blend of charisma, humor, and occasional over-the-top dramatics has made him a beloved figure in entertainment.
As of 2025, Shatner is still active in the entertainment industry, continuing to make public appearances, pursue new acting roles, and explore creative projects. His diverse body of work ensures that his name will remain synonymous with not only Star Trek but a host of other beloved films and TV shows.