William Shatner

William Shatner has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning more than 70 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, author, recording artist, and equestrian. One of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, he is also a dedicated philanthropist whose creativity and curiosity continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

In 1966, Mr. Shatner originated the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in the groundbreaking television series Star Trek, which became a global cultural phenomenon. He reprised the role in seven feature films, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which he directed. As Star Trek celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, Mr. Shatner continues to honor its legacy as executive producer of the documentary The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World.

Mr. Shatner went on to star in T.J. Hooker and host the groundbreaking reality series Rescue 911. His portrayal of eccentric attorney Denny Crane on The Practice and Boston Legal earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, along with numerous additional nominations. In 2011, he brought his one-man show, Shatner’s World, to Broadway before touring internationally. He has also served as host and executive producer of The History Channel’s The UnXplained, exploring some of the world's most intriguing mysteries.

An adventurous recording artist, Mr. Shatner has released albums spanning rock, blues, country, spoken word, and orchestral music, including Has Been, The Blues, Bill, and So Fragile, So Blue. In 2026, at age 95, he ventured into heavy metal, performing at Chicago’s Riot Fest and preparing the release of What the F Is Heavy Metal? He has also collaborated with country music superstar Brad Paisley on Love & Other Mysteries, continuing his exploration of new musical genres.

A prolific author of nearly 30 books, Mr. Shatner’s best-selling titles include Up Till Now, Shatner Rules, Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man, and Boldly Go. His latest works, William Shatner...And You and the forthcoming Wisdom & Worries: Reflections on Life, Death, and Everything in Between, explore the connections, experiences, and reflections that have shaped his remarkable life.

An accomplished horseman, Mr. Shatner has bred and ridden world champion American Quarter Horses and American Saddlebreds, earning numerous equestrian championships. In 1990, he founded the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which has raised funds for children's and veterans' charities throughout Southern California.

In recent years, Mr. Shatner faced one of his most personal challenges: a battle with Stage 4 melanoma while his youngest daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, was battling Stage 4 breast cancer. Their shared experiences deepened their bond and inspired their weekly podcast, No Time But Now, launched in July 2026. Together, father and daughter explore health, longevity, resilience, and the meaning of a life well lived through conversations with leading voices in medicine, science, spirituality, and wellness.

At 95, Mr. Shatner continues to act, write, produce, record music, support charitable causes, and pursue his passion for equestrian sports. He resides in Los Angeles, California, and remains a remarkable example of a life defined by creativity, curiosity, and an enduring spirit of adventure.