Summary
William Shatner, born March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Canada, is a legendary actor best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. At 94 years old and standing 5’9”, Shatner has enjoyed a career spanning over six decades as an actor, author, director, and even singer. Beyond Star Trek, he starred in hits like T.J. Hooker, Boston Legal, and numerous films. In 2021, at age 90, he became the oldest person to travel to space with Blue Origin. With an estimated net worth of $100 million, Shatner is also a philanthropist, supporting causes like children’s hospitals and veteran programs. His legacy as a cultural icon continues to inspire generations, proving that reinvention and adventure have no age limit.
When you hear the name William Shatner, chances are you instantly picture Captain James T. Kirk confidently steering the Starship Enterprise through the vastness of space. But Shatner’s life is much more than just Star Trek. He’s a man of many talents—actor, director, author, singer, and even space traveler! His journey feels like a novel filled with adventure, fame, challenges, and reinvention.
Let’s take a deeper look into the fascinating world of William Shatner—a man who has been entertaining us for over six decades.
Early Life and Background
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to a Jewish family. His parents, Joseph Shatner and Ann Garmaise, owned a clothing manufacturing business. Growing up in Montreal, young William developed a love for performance and storytelling—skills that would later shape his career.
Age, Height, and Physical Attributes
As of 2025, William Shatner is an impressive 94 years old. He stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Even in his 90s, Shatner maintains a charismatic presence, proving that charm doesn’t fade with age—it evolves.
Family and Personal Life
Shatner’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He has been married four times, with his most notable marriage to Marcy Lafferty lasting over two decades. He has three daughters—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie—who have often accompanied him to Hollywood events. Despite the ups and downs, Shatner values family deeply and often speaks about the importance of staying connected.
Education and Early Interests
William attended West Hill High School and later graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from McGill University in Montreal. While commerce might seem far from acting, Shatner was already involved in theater during his student days. It was during this time he discovered his love for live performance.
First Steps into Acting
Before becoming a household name, Shatner honed his skills at the Canadian National Repertory Theatre, performing Shakespearean roles. His early work in radio dramas and stage plays helped him develop his distinctive voice and commanding delivery—a trademark that would define his career.
Rise to Fame – The Star Trek Era
Shatner’s big break came in 1966 when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. The role transformed him into a pop culture icon. Although the original series only lasted three seasons, its impact was enormous. The show developed a passionate fan base, and Shatner became forever linked to the image of the bold starship captain exploring new worlds.
Life After Star Trek
After Star Trek, Shatner faced a challenging period, struggling to find work due to typecasting. But he didn’t let setbacks define him. He took on a variety of roles in TV and film, including the cop drama T.J. Hooker in the 1980s and countless guest appearances. Over time, he embraced the Captain Kirk legacy, returning for multiple Star Trek movies and fan events.
Notable Movies and TV Shows
Shatner’s career spans numerous hit projects, including:
- Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969) – His career-defining role.
- T.J. Hooker (1982–1986) – A popular police drama where he played a tough yet compassionate cop.
- Boston Legal (2004–2008) – As eccentric lawyer Denny Crane, Shatner won multiple awards.
- Star Trek Films (1979–1994) – Including Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Other Ventures – Author, Singer, and Director
Shatner is not just an actor—he’s also an accomplished author, having written both fiction and non-fiction books, many related to Star Trek. Surprisingly, he’s released music albums too, with a unique spoken-word style. As a director, he helmed Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and other smaller projects, showing his versatility behind the camera.
Journey to Space at 90
In October 2021, William Shatner made headlines when he became the oldest person to travel to space, thanks to Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. At 90 years old, he experienced weightlessness and saw Earth from above—a poetic full circle for a man who spent his life playing a space explorer.
Awards and Recognitions
Over his career, Shatner has received:
- Two Emmy Awards for Boston Legal
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
- Canadian Walk of Fame induction
- Various lifetime achievement awards for his contribution to television and science fiction culture
William Shatner’s Net Worth
As of 2025, William Shatner’s net worth is estimated at $100 million. His wealth comes from decades of acting, book sales, voice work, and appearances at fan conventions. He’s also earned from endorsement deals and investments.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Shatner actively supports causes like children’s hospitals, veterans’ organizations, and environmental charities. His annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show raises funds for a variety of programs helping children and those with disabilities.
Hobbies and Passions
Beyond acting, Shatner is passionate about horseback riding, motorcycling, and traveling. He’s a competitive equestrian and owns several horses, often participating in horse shows across the United States.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
William Shatner’s legacy is vast. He’s not just a sci-fi hero—he’s a cultural icon whose voice, charisma, and humor have influenced generations. His career serves as a reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
Final Thoughts
William Shatner’s journey from a Canadian theater actor to a global icon is nothing short of remarkable. He’s shown us that age is no barrier to adventure—whether it’s acting, writing, or even traveling to space. Like a true starship captain, Shatner continues to explore, inspire, and entertain.
Also Read : Gina Carano – Age, Height, Family, Career, TV Shows, Awards, Net Worth
FAQs About William Shatner
1. How old is William Shatner in 2025?
He is 94 years old.
2. What is William Shatner best known for?
He’s best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek.
3. Did William Shatner really go to space?
Yes, in October 2021 with Blue Origin at the age of 90.
4. What is William Shatner’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is $100 million.
5. How many times has William Shatner been married?
He has been married four times.
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