William Shatner Enters Hall of Fame

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Committee has selected William Shatner to be inducted into the Television Academy’s Hall of Fame.

The Television Academy’s Hall of Fame honors a lifetime of excellence and is a special recognition for those who have made significant contributions that will leave an indelible mark on the television business. Bill Shatner has helped shape the industry and serve as inspiration for everyone involved in show business.

Hall of Fame candidates are submitted from the Television Academy’s membership and the industry at large to the Hall of Fame selection committee who vote upon the final decision. The committee was comprised of Sam Haskell, Co-Chairman of the Television Academy Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Conrad Bachmann, Co-Chairman of the Television Academy Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Leslie Moonves, Chairman and CEO of CBS Corporation; Gail Berman, President, Paramount Pictures, Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, the CW and Peter Roth, President of Warner Bros Television Production.

Bill is one of a very select few of pop culture’s most recognized figures. He has cultivated a career as a professional actor, director, producer, screenwriter, recording artist, author, horseman, and Hollywood philanthropist.

Born in Montreal, he worked for the Canadian Broadcasting Company and later won the Tyron Guthrie Award for his efforts on stage. After moving to New York City, he become part of television’s Golden Age. Since making his film debut in 1957, Shatner has starred in several hundred television programs—including many classics.

In 1966, Shatner originated the role of Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek.” After the show was cancelled and relaunched in syndication, he reprised the role in seven Star Trek feature films. He played title role in the hit network series, “TJ Hooker,” was the host of CBS series “Rescue 911″ for six seasons and made his directorial film debut in 1989. In 2004, Shatner won his first Emmy Award for his role as ‘Denny Crane’ on “The Practice.” That same year, he released the compilation record “Has Been,” comprised with several musical artists. In 2005, he won his first Golden Globe award and a second Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work on “Boston Legal.”

Others inducted in the Hall of Fame with Bill are news anchorman Tom Brokaw, producer/director James Burrows, producer Leonard Goldberg and TV & Radio broadcasting icon Regis Philburn.