William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, producer best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise. With a career spanning more than seven decades, Shatner has worked in television, film, theater, music, and literature. In 2021, he became the oldest person to travel to space. Let’s explore William Shatner Bio, Age, Height, Family, Net Worth.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: William Alan Shatner
- Date of Birth: March 22, 1931
- Age: 94 years (as of January 2026)
- Birthplace: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Nationality: Canadian
- Profession: Actor, Author, Producer, Director
- Years Active: 1951 to present
Early Life, Family & Education
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was raised in a Jewish family by his parents, Joseph Shatner and Ann Garmaise. His family background traces back to Eastern European Jewish immigrants.
From an early age, Shatner showed interest in performance and participated in school theater productions. He later pursued acting professionally after completing his university education.
Parents & Siblings
His father, Joseph Shatner, worked as a clothing manufacturer, and his mother, Ann Garmaise, was a homemaker.
William Shatner has two sisters: Joy Shatner and Farla Shatner.
Education
Shatner attended West Hill High School in Montreal. He later graduated from McGill University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
After university, he trained in classical theater and performed with the Stratford Festival in Canada, which helped launch his professional acting career.
Career
William Shatner began his acting career in the early 1950s, working in Canadian theater and television before moving into American film and television roles.
In 1966, he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in the science fiction television series Star Trek. Although the original series aired from 1966 to 1969, it later became one of the most influential franchises in entertainment history.
Shatner reprised his role as Captain Kirk in seven Star Trek feature films between 1979 and 1994. The character remains one of the most recognizable in science fiction.
Outside of Star Trek, he starred in the television series T.J. Hooker (1982–1986) and hosted Rescue 911 (1989–1996). He later won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Denny Crane in The Practice and Boston Legal.
In October 2021, Shatner traveled to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, becoming the oldest person to fly to space at age 90.
As of 2026, Shatner remains active through writing projects, television appearances, documentaries, conventions, and public speaking engagements.
Books & Other Ventures
William Shatner is a prolific author and has written or co-written numerous science fiction novels, memoirs, and autobiographies, including Up Till Now and Live Long and….
He has also released several spoken-word and music albums, combining dramatic narration with contemporary music production.
Relationships & Personal Life
William Shatner has been married four times. His most recent marriage was to Elizabeth Anderson Martin (2001–2020).
He has three daughters: Leslie Shatner, Lisabeth Shatner, and Melanie Shatner.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Body Type: Average
- Hair Color: Brown (now gray)
- Eye Color: Hazel
Net Worth
As of 2026, William Shatner’s estimated net worth is around $100 million. His income sources include acting, Star Trek royalties, television roles, book sales, endorsements, and public appearances.
Trivia
- He became the oldest person to travel to space in 2021.
- He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards.
- He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
- He has been active in entertainment for more than 70 years.
- He has written over 30 books across multiple genres.
FAQs
How old is William Shatner?
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931. He is 94 years old as of January 2026.
How tall is William Shatner?
William Shatner is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall.
What is William Shatner’s net worth?
As of 2026, his estimated net worth is around $100 million.
What is William Shatner best known for?
He is best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise.
Did William Shatner really go to space?
Yes. In October 2021, he traveled to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft.
