Up Till Now

Up Till Now is William Shatner's autobiography chronicling his journey through the entertainment industry, from his early days as a struggling actor to his rise to prominence. The narrative covers his experiences in theater, television, and film across multiple decades. The book details Shatner's iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek and its impact on his career trajectory. His personal life, including his marriages and relationships, is woven throughout the career narrative, providing context for his professional decisions and evolution as an actor. Beyond Star Trek, the autobiography explores Shatner's other notable roles and ventures, including his work in series like T.J. Hooker and Boston Legal, as well as his pursuits in music, literature, and business. This memoir stands as a testament to the complexities of fame and reinvention in Hollywood, offering insights into how one actor navigated the changing landscape of entertainment across more than half a century.

Readers describe Up Till Now as an entertaining and candid memoir that balances Shatner's career highlights with personal stories. The audiobook version, narrated by Shatner himself, receives particular praise. Readers appreciated: - Self-deprecating humor and willingness to laugh at himself - Behind-the-scenes stories from Star Trek and other productions - Honest discussion of personal struggles and failed marriages - Engaging storytelling style that feels like a conversation Common criticisms: - Jumps between time periods in a sometimes confusing way - Repeats stories from previous books - Could have included more details about specific roles Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (430+ ratings) Audible: 4.5/5 (1,100+ ratings) "Like sitting down with Bill for a long chat" appears in multiple reviews. Several readers noted the book feels more authentic than typical celebrity memoirs, with one Amazon reviewer writing "he owns his mistakes and missteps without making excuses."

Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man by William Shatner Offers parallel insights into the Star Trek phenomenon through Shatner's relationship with Leonard Nimoy, their shared experiences, and the evolution of their careers.

Inside Star Trek: The Real Story by Herbert F. Solow Presents behind-the-scenes details of Star Trek's production from the perspective of its executive producers, complementing Shatner's account of the series.

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin Chronicles a performer's journey from humble beginnings through various entertainment mediums while navigating fame and career transitions in Hollywood.

What Just Happened by Art Linson Details the realities of Hollywood from the 1970s through the 1990s, intersecting with the same era Shatner navigated as an actor.

So That Happened by Jon Cryer Tracks an actor's path through television stardom, career reinvention, and Hollywood's changing landscape across multiple decades.

🌟 The book title "Up Till Now" was chosen because Shatner believes his story is still unfolding - he refuses to call it a "memoir" as he continues to actively pursue new projects. 🎭 Before Star Trek fame, Shatner was a respected Shakespearean stage actor at the Stratford Festival of Canada, performing alongside Christopher Plummer. 📺 Originally, Shatner turned down Star Trek in favor of another series called "Alexander the Great" with Adam West - which never made it past the pilot episode. 💔 The book addresses the tragic death of his third wife, Nerine, who drowned in their pool in 1999 - a deeply personal loss that Shatner discusses with remarkable candor. 🎤 One chapter details how his 1968 album "The Transformed Man" became an unintentional cult classic, leading to his later intentionally dramatic musical performances of popular songs.