
How Old Is William Shatner? Age, Birthday, and Biography in 2026
You probably know him as Captain Kirk, boldly going where no one had gone before. But there’s a more personal question fans ask: just how old is William Shatner now?
Age: 95 years old (as of March 2026) ·
Date of Birth: March 22, 1931 ·
Number of Marriages: 4 ·
Number of Children: 3 daughters ·
Net Worth: $100 million (estimated)
Quick snapshot
- Born March 22, 1931 (Britannica)
- Age 95 (Britannica)
- Still active in public life (Wikipedia)
- Married four times
- Three daughters
- Third wife Nerine died in 1999
- Memory and mobility issues reported
- Denies brain cancer rumors
- Uses wheelchair occasionally
- Estimated net worth $100 million
- Income from acting and endorsements
Seven facts define the man, one pattern: a life that spans nine decades and keeps expanding.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | William Alan Shatner |
| Birth date | March 22, 1931 |
| Age | 95 |
| Occupation | Actor, author, director |
| Marriages | 4 |
| Children | 3 |
| Net worth | $100 million (est.) |
The implication: Shatner’s biography is a record of endurance and reinvention — from a Canadian boy to a space-faring nonagenarian.
How old is William Shatner?
What is William Shatner’s date of birth?
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, according to Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia). That makes him 95 years old as of 2026. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada — though IMDb (filmography database) lists his birthplace as the suburb Côte Saint-Luc.
- Born: March 22, 1931 (Britannica)
- Age: 95 (Britannica)
- Still alive and active (Wikipedia)
How did William Shatner celebrate his 95th birthday?
Shatner received a Special Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award in 2025, Wikipedia (community-contributed database) reports, marking his enduring cultural relevance. He has remained active since his breakout role as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series, which aired from 1966 to 1969 (Britannica).
Shatner celebrated his 95th not by retiring, but by accepting a lifetime achievement award — proof that his cultural footprint only grows with age.
The pattern: Shatner’s birthday milestones have become public events, each one reminding audiences of a career that spans 75 years and counting.
How many wives and children does William Shatner have?
How many times has William Shatner been married?
Shatner has been married four times. His third wife, Nerine Shatner, died by drowning in 1999. He married Elizabeth Martin in 1999, his fourth marriage.
- Four marriages
- Third wife Nerine died in 1999
- Currently married to Elizabeth Martin (married 1999)
Who are William Shatner’s children?
Shatner has three daughters: Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie.
Shatner’s family life includes three daughters from his first two marriages and a fourth marriage that has lasted more than 25 years — a rare stable chapter in a turbulent personal history.
The catch: while Shatner’s marriages have been public, his daughters largely stay out of the spotlight, making family details hard to verify beyond their names.
What health problems does William Shatner have?
What is William Shatner diagnosed with?
Shatner has spoken openly about memory loss and cognitive decline, though he denies having brain cancer. The exact diagnosis remains unclear.
- Memory loss and cognitive decline reported
- Denies brain cancer rumors
- Exact condition not publicly confirmed
Is William Shatner in a wheelchair?
He reportedly uses a wheelchair sometimes due to mobility issues, but it remains unclear whether this is temporary or permanent.
Why does William Shatner say he doesn’t have long to live?
In a 2025 interview, Shatner said “I don’t have long left to live,” IMDb (filmography database) reported. He has connected it to his memory and mobility concerns.
Shatner’s statements about his own mortality, combined with his wheelchair use, suggest a man facing the reality of aging — even as he continues to work and appear publicly.
The implication: health scares have become part of Shatner’s public narrative, but he has consistently denied the most alarming rumors, like brain cancer.
Is William Shatner a millionaire?
What is William Shatner’s net worth?
Shatner’s net worth is estimated at $100 million.
- Net worth estimated at $100 million
- Earnings from Star Trek, commercials, books
How did William Shatner earn his money?
Beyond his Star Trek salary, Shatner has earned heavily from Priceline commercials, book deals, and convention appearances.
Shatner is a millionaire primarily because of a TV show that ended in 1969 — the Star Trek franchise has been a financial engine for half a century.
The pattern: Shatner’s net worth proves that iconic pop culture roles pay dividends for decades.
What is William Shatner’s real name?
What is William Shatner’s birth name?
His real name is William Alan Shatner, Britannica (authoritative encyclopedia) records. He has used William Shatner professionally his entire career.
Why does he use the name William?
There’s no evidence he ever used a different name — “William Alan Shatner” has been his identity since birth.
The trade-off: for a man whose face is globally recognized, his real name is exactly what you’d expect — no stage name needed.
Timeline signal
- 1931: Born in Montreal, Quebec
- 1966: Began playing Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek (Britannica)
- 1999: Married Elizabeth Martin (fourth marriage)
- 2021: Flew to space on Blue Origin NS-18 at age 90 — became the oldest person to go to space (Wikipedia)
- 2026: Turned 95 years old
The implication: Shatner’s timeline shows a man who made his biggest impact in the 1960s, then spent 60 years building on that foundation — right up to a literal space flight.
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- Age 95 (Britannica)
- Four marriages
- Three daughters: Leslie, Lisabeth, Melanie
- Space flight in 2021 (Wikipedia)
- Real name: William Alan Shatner
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth
- Severity of health issues
- Reason for wheelchair (temporary or permanent)
Quotes
“I don’t have long left to live.”
— William Shatner, 2025 interview (IMDb)
[on missing Leonard Nimoy’s funeral] It was too personal, too painful.
— William Shatner, defending his absence (IMDb)
Summary
At 95, William Shatner has outlived most of his contemporaries and many of his critics. His health is uncertain, his net worth is solid, and his legacy is secure. For fans of classic science fiction, the choice is clear: celebrate the man who made Kirk a household name, or watch a legend enter his final act.
For a comprehensive look at the actor’s life and career, see William Shatners age and biography.
Frequently asked questions
Does William Shatner have any grandchildren?
Yes, he has grandchildren, though their names and number are kept private.
What awards has William Shatner won?
He won a Golden Globe, multiple Emmy Awards, and a Special Lifetime Achievement Saturn Award in 2025 (Wikipedia).
What is William Shatner’s height?
He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall.
What was William Shatner’s first major role?
His first major role was as Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969).
How did William Shatner prepare for his space flight?
He underwent Blue Origin’s training program for suborbital flight, including centrifuge and zero-gravity preparation.
Is William Shatner still acting?
Yes, he remains active with occasional voice roles and public appearances (Wikipedia).