William Shatner – Biography, age, net worth and career facts

Who Is William Shatner?

William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, director, producer, and singer. Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, he has built a career that spans more than seven decades. He is best known internationally for originating the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, a part he played in the original 1960s television series and in seven feature films. His work in Boston Legal as Denny Crane is also considered a signature role of his later career.

Beyond acting, Shatner has worked as a director, producer, and recording artist. He has received Emmy, Golden Globe, and Saturn award recognition over the years. He remains active in public life through appearances, retrospectives, and new projects.

Key Facts at a Glance

What Was His Breakthrough Role?

Shatner’s career-defining breakthrough came in 1966 when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series. The show aired for only three seasons (1966–1969) but became a cultural phenomenon in syndication. He later returned to the role in Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1974) and in a series of feature films starting with Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). He played the character for the final time in Star Trek Generations (1994).

His early career included stage work and appearances on 1950s and 1960s television, including a lead role in the legal drama For the People (1965) and guest spots on programs like Howdy Doody. These early TV and stage credits helped establish him as a working actor before Star Trek.

How Did His Career Evolve After Star Trek?

Following the end of the original Star Trek series, Shatner continued acting in film and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He appeared in various TV movies, series, and stage productions. A major career resurgence came with the legal dramedy Boston Legal (2004–2008), where he played the eccentric attorney Denny Crane. The role earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, and is frequently cited as one of his signature later performances.

In addition to acting, Shatner directed several films, including Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). He has also worked as a producer and authored multiple books, both fiction and non-fiction. His eclectic career includes a music recording career, with spoken-word and rock albums that have become cult favorites.

By the 2020s, he remained a fixture in popular culture, often appearing in documentaries, talk shows, and commemorative events. In September 2026, he was profiled in relation to the 60th anniversary of Star Trek, and he was also reported to be forming a heavy metal band at age 95.

What Is Known About His Personal Life?

Shatner has been married four times. His first marriage was to Gloria Rand in 1956, and the couple had three daughters before divorcing in 1969. He then married Marcy Lafferty in 1973; that marriage lasted until 1996. In 1997, he married Nerine Kidd, who died in 1999. His fourth marriage was to Elizabeth Martin (also referred to as Elizabeth Shatner) in 2001. They divorced in 2020, after nearly two decades together.

Throughout his life, he has lived in Los Angeles for long periods. Public records and interviews indicate he has been close to his three daughters, though detailed family information is limited. Beyond his immediate family, Shatner has maintained a busy public schedule well into his 90s.

What About the “Mask” Reference?

Some online searches about William Shatner and “mask” may refer to a specific role or a viral meme. The provided sources do not confirm any particular mask origin tied to him or his productions. Without a specific film or appearance linked to a mask, the reference remains unclear in the available material.

What Is His Net Worth?

The search results do not include a reliable, verified net-worth figure for William Shatner. While some public reports estimate his wealth in the range of $100 million, this number is not confirmed by any official or authoritative source. Because of this, a specific net-worth figure cannot be responsibly stated.

How Old Is He and What Is His Height?

William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, which makes him 95 years old as of early 2026. His height is often listed at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). These details are consistently reported across biographical sources.

What Is He Doing Now in 2025–2026?

As of late 2025 and into 2026, Shatner remains publicly active. He participated in Star Trek 60th-anniversary events in September 2026, including a special screening and interviews. He also made headlines for starting a heavy metal band at age 95, as reported by USA Today in September 2026. No official 2026 acting projects have been announced in the provided search results, but his media presence and public appearances continue.

Where Can I Find More Information About His Career?

For a comprehensive overview of Shatner’s life and work, the Wikipedia biography is a well-sourced starting point. Additional biographical details are available from Britannica and Biography.com. His early TV appearances are documented in retrospectives by TVLine.

What Are Some Common Questions About Him?

In Summary

William Shatner’s career spans over 70 years, from Canadian radio and stage to worldwide fame as Captain Kirk. His work in Star Trek and Boston Legal has cemented his place in television history. While some aspects of his life, such as his exact net worth, remain unverified, his public persona and professional legacy are well-documented through credible sources.