I did not know that yesterday!

We risk enraging hardcore Trekkies for even daring to mention life before "Star Trek," but the man who made James Tiberius Kirk a legend did play other roles both before and after he donned the good captain's uniform.

Way before Shatner's illustrious entry into the TV Hall of Fame, he was just another Jewish-Ukrainian kid from Quebec. He first made a name for himself on stage. Yes, the "Rocket Man" started out as a Shakespearean actor. From there, he branched out to Broadway and sci-fi TV shows, most notably "The Twilight Zone." Not long after, he was appointed captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

His career has certainly had its highs and lows. He's been a singer and a writer. He's auctioned his kidney stone for $25,000. But even those who giggle at some of Shatner's more curious career turns have to salute the captain's longevity. And through it all, he remains one of the most enduring stars in the sky.

source: ask.yahoo.com