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William Shatner Parents: Meet Joseph and Ann

Author

John Johnson

Updated on December 30, 2025

William Shatner Parents: Meet Joseph and Ann – William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, and director who is best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek television series and movies. He was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and grew up in a Jewish family.

Shatner began his acting career in his late twenties and made his television debut in 1951. He appeared in various roles on television and in films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including guest appearances on shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Gunsmoke.

In 1966, Shatner landed the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the television series Star Trek. The show was initially not successful, but gained a devoted following and became a cultural phenomenon. Shatner’s portrayal of Kirk, the confident and charismatic captain of the USS Enterprise, made him a household name.

After Star Trek ended its run in 1969, Shatner struggled to find work and took on a variety of roles in films and television. He eventually found success in the 1980s as the star of the police drama series T.J. Hooker. He also appeared in a number of made-for-television movies and miniseries, including The Babysitter, Big Bad Mama II, and Rescue 911.

In the 1990s, Shatner experienced a career resurgence with the launch of Star Trek: The Next Generation and the subsequent Star Trek films. He reprised his role as Kirk in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations, and continued to make appearances in the franchise throughout the decade.

In addition to his acting career, Shatner has also worked as a writer and director. He has written several science fiction novels, including TekWar, which was later adapted into a television series. He has also directed several episodes of television shows, including T.J. Hooker and TekWar.

In recent years, Shatner has continued to stay active in the entertainment industry. He has made guest appearances on various television shows, including The Big Bang Theory and Psych, and has continued to write books and record music. He also hosts a travel show called The UnXplained on the History Channel.

Despite his success, Shatner has faced personal tragedy throughout his life. In 1969, his first wife, Gloria Rand, filed for divorce. In 1999, his third wife, Nerine Kidd, drowned in the couple’s swimming pool. Shatner has also struggled with alcoholism and has spoken publicly about his recovery.

In addition to his work in entertainment, Shatner is also involved in philanthropic efforts. He has worked with various charities, including the American Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also founded the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which raises money for children’s charities.

Throughout his long and varied career, William Shatner has remained an iconic figure in popular culture. His portrayal of Captain Kirk has become a cultural touchstone, and his work as an actor, writer, and director has inspired generations of fans. Despite facing personal struggles and setbacks, he has remained committed to his craft and to making a positive impact in the world.

William Shatner Parents: Meet Joseph and Ann

He was the youngest of three children of Joseph Shatner and his wife, Anna Garmaise.

Joseph Shatner was a clothing manufacturer who had immigrated to Canada from Austria-Hungary (now Ukraine) in the early 20th century. He was born in a Jewish family in Zolochiv, Galicia. Joseph later settled in Montreal and established a successful clothing company. He was known for his sharp business acumen and philanthropic work. He was involved in various charities and was a prominent figure in the Jewish community in Montreal.

Anna Garmaise, William Shatner’s mother, was born in Montreal, Canada, to Russian Jewish parents. She worked as a housewife and was known for her love of music and the arts. William Shatner has mentioned in interviews that his mother had a significant influence on his love for performing arts.

William Shatner grew up in a middle-class family in Montreal. His parents were supportive of his interests in acting and encouraged him to pursue his passion. Joseph and Anna Shatner remained married until Joseph’s death in 1981, and Anna passed away in 1984.