Richard, you poor lad! William Shatner is a great man. Let me give you a brief synopsis:

1. He's Canadian.

2. He went into acting in his teens, starting out in Shakespearian stage material, which may account for his rather dramatic style of emoting.

3. He became a household name in the orginal Star Trek TV series in the 60's, alongside Leonard Nimoy ("Spock", the Vulcan), De Forest Kelly ("Bones" McCoy), and others. This became definitely the most legendary science fiction show of all time, leading, as I'm sure you know, to movies, further TV installments (such as "Next Generation", "Deep Space Nine", and "Voyager") and so on... Shatner played Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. Check out the videos at the local store. The episodes vary from thoughtful and imaginative to downright tacky and godawful, depending...

4. He is noted for an odd acting style, a phenomenal libido, and an apparently complete inability to sing. Despite the latter, he has produced memorable covers of songs such as "Mr Tambourine Man". Do a google search and prepare to experience auditory enlightenment.

5. I recently opened a prestigious educational institute to teach people the William Shatner Technique, and enable them to become more and more like Bill with each passing day. It is called the WSSBA (William Shatner School of BAAAAAAD Acting) and it's located in Orillia, Ontario, Canada. (Orillia! The town that'll chill ya, thrill ya, maybe even kill ya! If ya stay long enough...God knows, it's killing me being here...)

6. He recently published a book called "Get A Life", and it's one of the funniest showbiz books I've ever read. Seriously. Do yourself a favour and check it out.

That about sums it up. I envy you the thrill that only a newcomer to the Shatman can experience upon uncovering this cultural gem of the late 20th century.

- LH