Happy birthday, Jim.

"Most legends have their basis in fact."

– Capt. James T. Kirk, Star Trek: And the Children Shall Lead

Today we wish a happy 91st birthday to William Shatner, a man who, as they say, needs no introduction.  And, in one of those odd moments when art imitates life, we also extend best wishes to James Tiberius Kirk, whose date of birth is also March 22 - albeit in the year 2233.*

This odd overlap between reality and fiction dates back to 1968 and the publication of The Making of Star Trek, written by series creator Gene Roddenberry.  It can't have been a coincidence that Kirk and Shatner share a birthday, but I wasn't able to find any kind of statement from Roddenberry regarding his choice of dates.

The small Iowa town of Riverside doubled down in 1985, decided to proclaim itself the future birthplace of Star Fleet's most illustrious officer, and contacted Gene Roddenberry for permission.  Roddenberry rewarded Riverside for its audacity by confirming their claim - he may well have felt that it was that kind of boldness and audacity that would characterize the career of Riverside's favorite son.

- Sid

* This date comes from Memory Alpha, the official Star Trek database.  Other sources say 2228, but at least they all agree on March 22nd.**

** That is, unless you're talking about the Abramsverse James T. Kirk, in which case he'll be born on January 4th, 2233 aboard a medical shuttle fleeing the destruction of the USS Kelvin, which results in the death of his father, Lieutenant Commander George Kirk.  Welcome to fandom: you pays your money and you takes your choice.