He has become an institution unto himself.
He stormed (or should I say “beamed”?) into our living rooms at the helm of the ultimate sci-fi program of all time, and he probably thought he’d be there forever. But Fate had other plans for my favorite Canadian, and so the premature cancellation of Star Trek forced him down another path.
Determined to break free of Captain Kirk, William Shatner took any job that came along it seemed. Until his massive ego really kicked in and he not only embraced his sci-fi legend status, he exploited it to an unprecedented degree. Shatner now “transports” more revenue into his bank account from Star Trek fans than any one individual. Only Paramount and the Roddenberry family make more cash than ‘Ol Bill – just barely.
Image via Wikipedia
He has become so big – metaphorically and arguably, physically – that he has achieved “one name” celebrity status. Quite an accomplishment for a man who was forced to live in a truck bed camper after the original Star Trek series was canceled.
He has earned a place in my little blog’s history because quite frankly, he is so terrible, he rocks!
His latest travesty? Or should I say accomplishment?
Either way, Bill will be taking Broadway - yes Broadway - by storm. Shatner has conceived a one-man show (hasn’t everything he’s ever ”acted” in been a one- man show?) called Shatner’s World: We Just Live in It.
Previews began Feb. 14 and it runs at the Music Box Theatre until March 4. Producers said Tuesday that “the two-hour show will take audiences on a voyage through Shatner’s life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationally known icon and raconteur.”
Raconteur? Seriously?
Call him what you will but his stamp on pop culture is unmistakable. To me William Shatner will always be…
- KHAAAAN!!!!
- T. J. Hooker.
- That guy from the Priceline commercials.
- The most polarizing figure in showbiz.
- A great Canadian.
- A sad clown obsessed with death. Just look at recent interviews and his Star Trek documentary, The Captains; his mortality is at the forefront of his mind these days.
Please don’t hate me for loving how terrible Shatner is – if that makes any sense - but I can’t help myself. In a world of Kardashians and Biebers, he is a singular point of terrible greatness.
Image via Wikipedia
HOOK’S NOTE: This change of pace was inspired by the upcoming comic convention season, of which Shatner is always a big part of. Love him or hate him, he’s a permanent fixture at these events and therefore always on my mind. My apologies.
Related articles
- William Shatner to boldly go on Broadway (cbsnews.com)
- William Shatner boldly tackles death on Broadway (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
I’ve got to figure out how to get to New York and see this show.
Good luck; time is running out!
I love Shatner. He’s a horrible actor, but I love how he embraces his own mystique and just runs with it. My favorite Captain was Sisko, but Kirk will always have a special place for me.
Me too!
khaaaan????
You know, from Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan”?
LOL, when I think of him, I think ‘Expedia commercials’ and ‘Boston Legal’ & Denny Crane.
Great share! Thanks!
I thought you might get a kick out of this if you’d not seen it before. I laughed my ass off the first time I saw it. Good ‘ole Denny Crane, what a trooper!
Shatner has created some kick-ass characters in his time, hasn’t he?
Yes he has. I think Denny Crane was my favorite. He played the part so well.
Bill was/is a talented man.
LOL!!!! Damn you Mister The Hook!!!! I was thinking of showing my students “Wrath of Khan” for their first movie. Then I thought no. Bad idea, I’d have Khan!!!! Stuck in my head. And sure enough, I got Khan in my head for ages!!!! Finally got it out, and then YOU!!!!
Other than the Khan comment… lovely post!!!
Sorry, Woman!
I am a huge Shatner fan and his ridiculous character. He makes fun of himself too!
Actually, I give him credit for that!
He certainly has done well for himself, hasn’t he?
He certainly has! And he’ll be the first to tell you that!
He at least has the grace to mock himself. I have to give him credit for that. But yeah, he’s a giant ham that’s fun to watch.
Exactly!
I love the title of the one man show. Really though, how could we expect any less?
I suppose not….
My favorite captain was Picard, though I’m rapidly growing to like Commander Sisko. I haven’t seen much of the original series, truthfully….
The modern versions are vastly superior, I’m afraid.