Full Name: William Alan Shatner
Stage Name: William Shatner
Date of Birth: March 22, 1931
Age: 94 years old (in 2025)
Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Origin: Canadian of Jewish Eastern European descent
Nationality: Canadian
Profession: Actor, producer, author, singer, director
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight: 85 kg (187 lbs)
Eye Color: Hazel
Hair Color: Brown (now white)
Children: 3 daughters – Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie
Current Relationship: Divorced (last spouse: Elizabeth Shatner)
Estimated Net Worth: Around $120 million USD
Social Media: Twitter (X), Instagram
Family and Personal Life
William Shatner was born into a Jewish family of Ukrainian and Lithuanian descent, his mother, Anne Garmaise was a stylist, and father, Joseph Shatner, was a men’s clothing manufacturer. He grew up in Montreal, speaking English with some knowledge of French.
He has been married four times, with his most recent marriage to Elizabeth Martin Shatner ending in 2020. William Shatner has three daughters and several grandchildren. Despite multiple divorces, he remains close to his family and emphasizes its importance in his life.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
William Shatner earned a degree in commerce from McGill University, but his heart was set on acting. He began on the stage, notably with the Stratford Festival in Canada, before moving to the United States and appearing on Broadway.
His TV debut came in 1954, but global fame struck in 1966 when he took on the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in the groundbreaking scifi series Star Trek. Ironically, the show was canceled after just three seasons—only to become one of the biggest cult phenomena in TV history.
Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom
Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk cemented, him as a pop culture legend. He starred in the original Star Trek series and went on to appear in 7 feature films between 1979 and 1994, even directing one: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.
But his career wasn’t limited to space exploration:
- T. J. Hooker (1982–1986): Played a tough, no-nonsense cop.
- Boston Legal (2004 –2008): His role, as eccentric lawyer Denny Crane earned him 2 Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
- He also voiced numerous characters in cartoons, video games, and animated shows like Over the Hedge and The Practice.
Recent Career (2020–2025)
Defying expectations at age 90, William Shatner became the oldest person ever to travel into space, flying with Blue Origin in 2021. After returning, he described the experience as profoundly emotional—a spiritual moment reflecting on the fragility of Earth and life itself.
He has continued to write (memoirs and sci-fi novels), release spoken-word music albums, and make public appearances at fan conventions worldwide.
Contributions, Books, and Ventures
Outside of acting, Shatner is a prolific author with over 30 books to his name, including the popular TekWar series. He is also an avid horse breeder and equestrian, participating in and supporting horse shows and competitions.
His charity work includes support for medical research, animal rights, and education for underprivileged children.
Private Life and Relationships
William Shatner has faced personal hardships, notably the heartbreaking loss of his third wife, Nerine Kidd, who passed away in 1999. He has openly spoken about the healing power of art, music, and space in helping him move forward.
He is also known for his unique voice, dramatic delivery, and sharp sense of humor. His self-parodying appearances in The Big Bang Theory, Futurama, and more have endeared him to both old fans and new generations.
Awards and Cultural Impact
William Shatner has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to entertainment, including:
- 2 Emmy Awards
- 1 Golden Globe
- William was honored with a star on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
- And even a Martian moonlet named “Shatner” by fans!
Other Noteworthy Facts
- Philanthropy: Actively supports causes related to child health, education, and mental wellness.
- Public Image: Admired for his longevity, curiosity, and creative reinvention.
- Fun Fact: He recorded an unforgettable spoken-word cover of Elton John’s Rocket Man, which became a cult favorite—and a beloved meme.
Summary
William Shatner is a living legend—a fearless explorer not only of outer space but of artistic expression. From the bridge of the Starship Enterprise to real-life space travel, Shatner continues to inspire with his boldness, wit, and wisdom. Even at 94, he remains an unstoppable force in entertainment, literature, and imagination.
FAQs
What is William Shatner best known for?
William Shatner is best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, which made him a pop culture legend in science fiction.
Did William Shatner really go to space?
Yes, in 2021, William Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space aboard Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin flight at the age of 90.
How many times has William Shatner been married?
William Shatner has been married four times. His most recent marriage, to Elizabeth Shatner, ended in divorce in 2020.
What is William Shatner’s net worth?
As of 2025, William Shatner’s estimated net worth is around $120 million, accumulated through acting, directing, writing, music, and public appearances.
