I first became aware of William Shatner in 1972. I was in 8th grade, and a new local television station was airing reruns of 60’s television programs, including a “Wagon Train to the stars”. Every day after school I would get home, burn through my homework, and be ready to watch when it came on. I would have watched it in prime time during it’s time on network television, but Dad had control of the one TV in the house, and he was a western show guy. I never had a chance back then!
My teen years included daily sessions with Mr. Shatner and the crew, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen each episode. Bill has been a fixture in my life, and I’d love to have a chance to see him in person.
I live in Visalia, California, just down the road from property he once owned (or still does?) in Three Rivers. I would hear stories from locals who had met him, and was always a bit envious. (I’ve worked at the Sheriff’s Department 9-1-1 dispatch for 20 years, and got to hear some stories from the resident deputy and his wife. Having him host a show about 9-1-1 was icing on the cake!)
At any rate, Mr. Shatner, I’d love to meet the man behind the characters. I’ve heard it’s a great show, and I look forward to being in the audience.
Contact me, Jim Reeves, at jim.visalia@gmail.com I’m on Twitter as @KC6YRU, and have been a follower of Mr. Shatner on Twitter for some time now.
(fingers crossed)
Today is 
JimmieJoe 
Shat’s almost 81?? Say it… ain’t.. SO!
March 19, 2012
Jim Reeves commentary, geek Denny Crane, James T Kirk, Shatner's 81'st birthday, T J Hooker, William Shatner 3 Comments
William Shatner, AKA Captain James T. Kirk (and to some younger fans, T.J. Hooker, and for the *really* young ones, Denny Crane) will turn 81 on March 22, 2012.
First, it’s difficult to think of Captain Kirk being that old, and second, he’s held up pretty well! He’s had some rough times in his life, but looks remarkably hale and hearty. Even if he’s had some “work” done, and I don’t know that he has, he’s a great example of how to age gracefully, with style and humor. I really liked his Priceline commercials, and it’s sad to see his participation in those end, but the industry always moves on. I think it’s important not to take yourself too seriously, and be able to have fun with your own image. Shatner has done that, and it speaks to his being a classy man. He has had a reputation of being a difficult person to be around, especially professionally, and there are apparently plenty of hard feelings towards him from his fellow actors through the years. He may be/may have been a jerk to know personally or as an actor to work with, but it’s his public personae I’m talking about here. His public image is genial and friendly. It would be nice to think he’s that way in his private life, but you never know. He is, after all, an actor. Regardless, I think he’s done well since his Star Trek days, and I wish him continued success (and personal growth even at 81!) in the years ahead.
Ahead, warp factor 2, Mr. Sulu.
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