William Shatner, 95, is the Canadian actor behind Star Trek’s Captain Kirk. Explore his wife, daughters, Emmy Awards, spaceflight and latest projects in 2026.
William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, director, and musician best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the science fiction television series Star Trek. This William Shatner biography explores his age, early life, education, marriages, children, acting career, awards, and historic journey into space. With more than seven decades in entertainment, he has become one of television’s most recognisable personalities.
Born on 22 March 1931, Shatner is 95 years old as of October 2026. His career includes memorable performances in Star Trek, T. J. Hooker, and Boston Legal, alongside several books and music projects. In October 2021, he travelled into space aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft at age 90, becoming the oldest person to reach space at that time. He remains active in entertainment, including a new podcast and heavy metal performances in 2026.
Quick Facts About William Shatner
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Shatner |
| Date of Birth | 22 March 1931 |
| Age | 95 years (as of October 2026) |
| Birthplace | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Actor, author, director, producer, and musician |
| Parents | Joseph Shatner and Ann Garmaise |
| Education | McGill University |
| Qualification | Bachelor of Commerce (1952) |
| Relationship Status | Reconciled with former wife Elizabeth Martin |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Famous For | Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek |
| Major Awards | Two Primetime Emmy Awards |
| Spaceflight | Blue Origin NS-18 (2021) |
William Shatner’s Early Life and Family Background
William Shatner was born on 22 March 1931 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Joseph Shatner and Ann Garmaise. His father worked in the clothing manufacturing industry, while his mother helped raise their family. He grew up alongside two sisters, Joy and Farla, in a Jewish household with roots in Eastern Europe. His grandparents had immigrated from areas of present-day Ukraine and Lithuania.
As a child, Shatner developed an interest in acting and performing. He participated in children’s theatre and appeared in radio productions associated with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. These early experiences introduced him to professional entertainment before he completed his formal education.
Although acting interested him, his family also encouraged him to pursue a stable career. He initially considered joining his father’s business after finishing school. However, his growing enthusiasm for theatre eventually influenced his professional direction.
Education at McGill University
Shatner attended Willingdon Elementary School and West Hill High School in Montreal. He later enrolled at McGill University, where he studied commerce and economics. While attending university, he continued participating in theatrical activities and exploring opportunities in performance.
He graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Despite his business education, Shatner decided to pursue acting professionally. His decision led him into Canadian repertory theatre, where he began developing the skills that shaped his screen career.
William Shatner’s Early Acting Career and Broadway Success
After university, Shatner joined the Canadian National Repertory Theatre in Ottawa. He subsequently performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, working with established theatre professionals. His performances in classical productions helped him gain experience with dramatic dialogue and demanding stage roles.
In 1956, he made his Broadway debut in Tamburlaine the Great. He later appeared in The World of Suzie Wong, strengthening his reputation as a stage actor. These opportunities opened the door to television and film appearances in the United States.
His early screen credits included The Brothers Karamazov (1958) and Judgment at Nuremberg (1961). He also appeared in television programmes such as The Twilight Zone, including its famous 1963 episode, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet. His career was growing steadily before he received the role that would make him internationally famous.
Breakthrough as Captain Kirk in Star Trek
William Shatner achieved worldwide recognition when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, which premiered on NBC in September 1966. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the series followed the crew of the starship USS Enterprise as they explored space. Shatner’s character became central to the programme’s adventures.
The original series ran from 1966 until 1969, completing three seasons before cancellation. Although its initial television run was relatively short, it developed a larger audience through reruns. The growing popularity of Star Trek eventually transformed the programme into a major entertainment franchise.
Shatner’s portrayal of Kirk became closely associated with leadership, exploration, and science fiction storytelling. His working relationship with Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock, helped establish one of television’s most recognisable character partnerships.
Star Trek Movies and William Shatner’s Directing Career
Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), which reunited members of the original television cast. The film’s release marked the franchise’s expansion into major theatrical productions. He continued portraying Kirk throughout several successful sequels.
His notable Star Trek films include:
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979): The original crew returns for a feature film.
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982): Kirk confronts an enemy from his past.
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984): The crew undertakes a mission involving Spock.
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986): Kirk and his companions travel to twentieth-century Earth.
- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989): Shatner directs and stars in the film.
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991): The original crew faces a changing political environment.
- Star Trek Generations (1994): Kirk appears alongside Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Shatner directed Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, expanding his work behind the camera. Although the film received mixed reviews, directing it represented another stage in his entertainment career.
T. J. Hooker, Boston Legal and Other Television Roles
Beyond Star Trek, Shatner starred in the police drama T. J. Hooker, which aired from 1982 to 1986. He portrayed Sergeant Thomas Jefferson Hooker, an experienced police officer involved in criminal investigations. The programme introduced him to audiences who did not primarily associate him with science fiction.
He later hosted Rescue 911, a television programme featuring dramatisations of real emergencies. The show ran from 1989 to 1996 and became another familiar part of his television career.
One of his most acclaimed later roles was attorney Denny Crane in The Practice and its spin-off, Boston Legal. His performance combined humour, confidence, and emotional complexity. The role earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards and renewed recognition as a dramatic television actor.
Shatner also appeared in films such as Miss Congeniality (2000), demonstrating his ability to perform comedy alongside more serious roles.
William Shatner’s Wife, Marriages and Relationships
William Shatner has been married four times. His first wife was actress Gloria Rand, whom he married in 1956. They had three daughters before divorcing in 1969.
In 1973, he married actress Marcy Lafferty, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1996. He subsequently married Nerine Kidd in 1997. Tragically, Kidd died in an accidental drowning at their California home in August 1999.
Shatner married horse trainer Elizabeth Anderson Martin in February 2001. Their divorce was finalised in 2020 after nearly nineteen years of marriage. However, the former couple later reconciled, and Shatner confirmed in 2024 that they were living together again.
In September 2026, Shatner and Elizabeth appeared together at a Los Angeles event celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of Star Trek. Although they have resumed their relationship, they have not publicly confirmed another legal marriage.
William Shatner’s Three Daughters and Family Life
William Shatner has three daughters from his marriage to Gloria Rand. They are Leslie Carol Shatner, Lisabeth Mary Shatner, and Melanie Ann Shatner. All three have generally maintained lives outside the level of public attention surrounding their father.
Melanie pursued acting and appeared in several productions, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. She later became involved in other professional activities and married actor Joel Gretsch in 1999. Shatner is also a grandfather and has spoken positively about spending time with his family.
In 2026, he began hosting a podcast with Melanie, creating another opportunity for them to work together.
Historic Blue Origin Spaceflight in 2021
On 13 October 2021, William Shatner travelled into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-18 spacecraft. He was 90 years old, making him the oldest person to reach space at the time. The flight lasted approximately ten minutes and crossed the internationally recognised boundary of space.
For Shatner, the journey carried special meaning because of his decades portraying a fictional space explorer. After returning to Earth, he described feeling deeply affected by seeing the planet from above. The experience inspired further reflections on humanity’s relationship with Earth and the environment.
William Shatner’s Music, Books and 2026 Projects
Shatner has explored music throughout his career, becoming known for his dramatic spoken-word interpretations of popular songs. His albums include The Transformed Man (1968), Has Been (2004), and Seeking Major Tom (2011). He has also written autobiographies and books about his experiences with Star Trek.
In September 2026, Shatner performed heavy metal music during live appearances in Chicago. His performances included interpretations of songs associated with Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and Motörhead. The concerts promoted his forthcoming album, What the F Is Heavy Metal?
He also launched No Time But Now, a podcast with his daughter Melanie, in July 2026. The programme discusses health, ageing, resilience, and personal experiences. Both hosts have publicly discussed their recovery from serious cancer diagnoses.
Emmy Awards and Career Recognition
William Shatner has received numerous honours throughout his entertainment career. He won Primetime Emmy Awards in 2004 for The Practice and in 2005 for Boston Legal. His television achievements also led to his induction into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2006.
He has received recognition in Canada, including induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame and appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. His achievements span acting, writing, directing, and cultural contributions.
William Shatner’s Net Worth and Earnings
Shatner has earned income through television acting, films, directing, writing, music, and commercial endorsements. His long-running association with Priceline also made him a familiar figure in American advertising. These activities have provided multiple sources of income throughout his career.
Various publications estimate his wealth, but his exact net worth has not been independently verified. Without complete public financial records, reported figures should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed personal assets.
Final Thoughts
William Shatner’s biography reflects an extraordinary career that began in Canadian theatre and developed into international recognition through Star Trek. His performances, awards, books, and historic spaceflight have helped establish a career extending beyond traditional acting.
At 95, he continues exploring creative projects and sharing his experiences with new audiences. His life demonstrates how curiosity and the willingness to try unfamiliar experiences can remain important at any age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How old is William Shatner in 2026?
William Shatner is 95 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 22 March 1931 in Montreal, Canada.
Q2: Is William Shatner still alive in 2026?
Yes, William Shatner is alive as of October 2026. He remains involved in entertainment, music, public appearances, and podcasting.
Q3: Who is William Shatner’s wife?
Shatner’s most recent legal marriage was to Elizabeth Anderson Martin, whom he divorced in 2020. They later reconciled and resumed their relationship without publicly confirming another legal marriage.
Q4: How many children does William Shatner have?
William Shatner has three daughters: Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie. All three were born during his marriage to Gloria Rand.
Q5: What is William Shatner’s net worth?
His exact net worth has not been independently verified. His earnings have come from acting, books, music, directing, and advertising endorsements.
Q6: Did William Shatner really go to space?
Yes, William Shatner travelled into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft on 13 October 2021. He was 90 years old during the flight.
Q7: What is William Shatner doing in 2026?
In 2026, Shatner launched a podcast with his daughter Melanie and performed heavy metal music at live events. He also continued participating in activities celebrating the legacy of Star Trek.
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