Few actors have sparked as many online debates as William Shatner. From his iconic role as Captain Kirk to his recent space flight, this 93-year-old Canadian has lived a life that keeps people asking questions — and this article answers the most common ones with verified facts and honest context.
Full Name: William Alan Shatner ·
Born: March 22, 1931 (age 93) ·
Nationality: Canadian ·
Known For: Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek ·
Net Worth (2025): Approx. $100 million ·
Years Active: 1951–present
Quick snapshot
- Born March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Wikipedia)
- Portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek (Wikipedia)
- Net worth estimated at around $100 million (Celebrity Net Worth)
- Traveled to space aboard Blue Origin in 2021 (Wikipedia)
- Exact reason Shatner did not attend Leonard Nimoy’s funeral is not officially confirmed
- Reports of a feud between Shatner and Nimoy are based on interviews, not definitive statements
- Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis remains unverified by official medical sources
- 1931: Born in Montreal
- 1966–1969: Stars as Captain Kirk
- 2021: Flies to space
- 2025: Still touring, awarded Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award
- Continues performing with his band at festivals
- Voice work and commercial appearances ongoing
- Public appearances and charity events expected
Seven key facts that define the man behind the myth:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | March 22, 1931 |
| Age | 93 |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Martin (m. 2001; div. 2020) |
| Children | 3 daughters |
| Notable Role | Captain James T. Kirk |
| Net Worth | ~$100 million |
Who is the richest Star Trek actor?
William Shatner’s net worth of roughly $100 million makes him the wealthiest among the Star Trek original cast. Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Picard, is estimated at about $70 million (Celebrity Net Worth). Leonard Nimoy’s estate was valued at around $45 million at his death in 2015.
William Shatner versus Patrick Stewart net worth
- Shatner: ~$100 million (Celebrity Net Worth)
- Stewart: ~$70 million
- Nimoy: ~$45 million (Wikipedia)
The implication: Shatner’s long-running residuals, diversified income from books, music, and commercials, plus a 2021 space flight, have kept him ahead of his co-stars financially.
How much is William Shatner worth in 2025?
Most sources peg his net worth at around $100 million. A 2016 profile in Spear’s Magazine controversially claimed £380 million, but that figure has not been repeated. Shatner himself mocked a $10 net-worth estimate on X in 2025, implying the $100 million figure is more accurate (Shatner’s X post).
Sources of William Shatner’s wealth
- Residuals from Star Trek and its films
- Book royalties (over 40 books)
- Music album sales and touring
- Commercial appearances (Priceline, etc.)
- Real estate holdings
The pattern: Shatner’s income is unusually diversified for an actor — he’s monetized his persona across multiple industries.
What is William Shatner diagnosed with?
Clear medical records are scarce. A 2024 interview-based account reported that Shatner disclosed a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, discovered after he noticed a lump near his right ear (publicwatch.uk). The same account said he underwent immunotherapy and surgery and later reported being cancer-free. However, no official medical confirmation has been released. Shatner also has tinnitus linked to a pyrotechnical mishap while filming the Star Trek episode “Arena,” with symptoms noticed only in the early 1990s (Biography CEO).
Shatner’s health struggles
- Reported stage 4 melanoma (unverified)
- Tinnitus from a set accident
- Publicly denied a 2025 hospitalization rumor, stating he was “perfectly fine” (Australia Press)
The catch: Without official medical releases, the severity of his health issues remains in the realm of rumor.
Shatner’s health disclosures have historically been selective — he tends to share news on his own terms, leaving room for public speculation to fill the gaps.
What does William Shatner do now?
At 93, Shatner remains active. He released the album Bill in 2020 and performs with his band at festivals. He continues voice work, makes commercial appearances, and is a regular public speaker. In 2025, he received a Special Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award.
Recent projects and appearances
- Album “Bill” (2020)
- Music tours with his band
- Voice roles in animated series
- Commercials for major brands
Why this matters: Shatner shows no signs of stopping — his career has outlasted most of his contemporaries.
Is William Shatner a nice person in real life?
Reputation is mixed. Co-star George Takei has described Shatner as difficult and egotistical (Wikipedia). Others, like Leonard Nimoy, spoke of a professional relationship that was sometimes tense but ultimately respectful. Fans often find him charismatic and generous in person.
Shatner’s reputation with co-stars
- Takei: critical, claims Shatner took credit for others’ work
- Nimoy: described a “brotherly” rivalry
- Patrick Stewart: has praised Shatner’s work ethic
The trade-off: Passion and drive can be perceived as arrogance, but those same traits built an enduring career.
Why did William Shatner not attend Leonard Nimoy’s funeral?
Shatner has never given a definitive public reason. Some reports suggest he was not invited; others say a prior commitment. The lack of confirmation from either side leaves the question open. Nimoy died in 2015 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The implication: The absence of a public explanation has allowed speculation to fill the void — a pattern that continues to define the Shatner-Nimoy narrative.
Why did Leonard Nimoy stop speaking to William Shatner?
Stories of a falling out are based on interviews. Nimoy once said he found Shatner’s personality “difficult” but they reconciled later. There is no single incident that caused a permanent break. The “feud” narrative is often exaggerated by media.
Shatner’s public persona — both beloved and polarizing — is exactly what keeps him relevant. His fans love the Kirk energy; his critics see the same traits as ego.
Timeline
- 1931: Born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- 1966–1969: Stars as Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series.
- 1979–1994: Reprises role in Star Trek films.
- 2004–2008: Wins Emmys for Boston Legal.
- 2021: Travels to space aboard Blue Origin.
- 2024: Continues touring with his band.
- 2025: Awarded Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award; active in public appearances.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- William Shatner is a Canadian actor born March 22, 1931.
- He played Captain Kirk in Star Trek.
- He flew to space in 2021.
What’s unclear
- The exact reason Shatner did not attend Nimoy’s funeral.
- Whether a serious feud existed between Shatner and Nimoy.
- The veracity of the stage 4 melanoma claim.
- The precise net worth, which ranges from ~$100 million to £380 million depending on the source.
“I thought I had stage 4 cancer. It turned out to be a misdiagnosis — a blessing.”
— William Shatner, in various interviews (as reported by publicwatch.uk)
“Working with Bill was like being in a sandbox with a kid who always wants to be the king of the castle.”
— Leonard Nimoy, from his autobiography
“He’s a very talented actor, but he can be difficult to work with.”
— George Takei, in interviews
For those who follow Shatner’s career, the lesson is clear: longevity in Hollywood requires a thick skin and a willingness to embrace the spotlight — even when it burns. The actor’s ability to stay relevant, despite mixed opinions, shows his adaptability.
Related reading
- Ron Weasley: Actor, Family, and Character Facts
- Michael Gambon: Biography, Death, Net Worth, and Legacy
briefly.co.za, menshealth.com, birthdaywiki.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com, biographiestart.com
Frequently asked questions
Was William Shatner really diagnosed with stage 4 cancer?
A 2024 report claimed he disclosed a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, but no official medical records confirm it. Shatner has said he was misdiagnosed earlier in his life.
Did William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy have a falling out?
They had a complex relationship — sometimes tense, but ultimately respectful. There is no single event that caused a permanent break.
What is the cause of Leonard Nimoy’s death?
Leonard Nimoy died on February 27, 2015, from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
How many times has William Shatner been married?
He has been married four times: Gloria Rand (1956–1969), Marcy Lafferty (1973–1996), Nerine Kidd (1997–1999), and Elizabeth Martin (2001–2020).
What is William Shatner’s most famous role?
Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise.
Does William Shatner still act in 2025?
Yes, he continues voice work and makes occasional on-screen appearances, though he focuses more on music and public speaking.
How old was William Shatner when he went to space?
He was 90 years old when he flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard on October 13, 2021.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Aussie Wire Hub, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.