William Shatner, best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk, has built a legacy that spans over seven decades in entertainment. With a career that includes acting, directing, producing, writing, singing, and even space travel, Shatner’s net worth as of 2025 is estimated at $100 million. Now 94 years old, the Canadian-born star remains a living legend of science fiction and pop culture.
Early Life and Education
Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Ann and Joseph Shatner, members of a Jewish family with roots in Eastern Europe. Originally named Schattner, the family anglicized their surname. William grew up alongside two sisters and attended Willingdon Elementary and West Hill High School. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from McGill University in 1952.
Though he studied business, Shatner’s heart was in performance. He honed his acting skills at the Montreal Children’s Theatre and eventually trained in classical theater with the Canadian National Repertory Theatre.
Early Career and Star Trek Fame
Shatner’s acting career began in the 1950s. He appeared in theater productions, Canadian television, and eventually, Hollywood. His first film role came in 1958’s “The Brothers Karamazov.” By the early 1960s, he was appearing in major shows like “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and on stage at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
His breakthrough came in 1966 when he was cast as Captain Kirk in “Star Trek: The Original Series.” Though it lasted only three seasons, the show gained a massive cult following in syndication. Shatner reprised his role in seven Star Trek films from 1979 to 1994, and even voiced the character in the animated series.
Captain Kirk turned Shatner into a pop culture icon, cementing his place in television history.
Television, Film, and Awards
After Star Trek, Shatner found success in a variety of roles. He starred in “T.J. Hooker” (1982–1986) as a tough cop, and from 1989 to 1996, he hosted “Rescue 911,” a reality show dramatizing emergency situations.
In the 2000s, Shatner enjoyed a career revival with his Emmy-winning role as Denny Crane in “The Practice” and “Boston Legal.” The eccentric lawyer became one of his most beloved characters, earning him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.
He’s also appeared in films like “Miss Congeniality” (2000) and its sequel, and more recently starred in NBC’s “Better Late Than Never” (2016–2018).
Author, Director, and Recording Artist
Shatner isn’t just a screen actor. He’s also an author, having published multiple memoirs and science fiction novels. His writing explores everything from his Star Trek experiences to his philosophy on life and career longevity.
He has also directed, including “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier”, and released several albums. His 2011 record “Seeking Major Tom” became a cult favorite, featuring covers of David Bowie, Queen, and Pink Floyd in his signature spoken-word style.
Business Ventures and Priceline Rumors
One of the most enduring myths about William Shatner is that he made $600 million from early shares in Priceline.com, thanks to his role as “The Negotiator” in their ad campaign starting in 1997. However, Shatner has publicly denied this on numerous occasions. In an interview with Howard Stern and on Twitter, he clarified that he never held that much stock, calling the rumor “stupid.”
What’s true is that he did receive stock options early on, and although the value plummeted during the dot-com crash, Priceline’s later recovery likely netted him a significant but far more modest sum.
Convention Appearances and Salary
Shatner remains a popular figure at sci-fi conventions, charging around $10,000 for travel and $10,000 per hour with a five-hour minimum. His TV salary at his peak was reported at $150,000 per episode, especially during the height of Boston Legal’s success.
Real Estate and Divorce Settlements
Over the years, Shatner has owned multiple properties. His Studio City, California, home features four bedrooms and over 4,000 square feet of living space. During his 2020 divorce from his fourth wife Elizabeth Anderson Martin, he retained his Studio City property and an 18-acre ranch in Three Rivers, CA. Elizabeth received their Malibu home and Belle Reve Farm in Kentucky, along with $2 million in spousal support.
One unusual footnote: Shatner also kept all of the couple’s horse semen as part of the divorce terms, reflecting his interest in equestrian breeding.
Personal Life
Shatner has been married four times and has three daughters—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie—with his first wife, Gloria Rand. His second marriage to Marcy Lafferty lasted over two decades. His third wife, Nerine Kidd, tragically drowned in their pool in 1999. Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin in 2001; their marriage ended in 2020.
Despite personal tragedies, Shatner remains active, sharp, and endlessly curious.
Space Flight at 90
In 2021, at the age of 90, Shatner became the oldest person to fly into space, thanks to Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin. His trip aboard the New Shepard capsule lasted around 11 minutes, but marked a profound personal achievement. He described the experience as “life-changing” and a moment of deep reflection on Earth’s fragility.
Legacy and Influence
With a net worth of $100 million, William Shatner has transcended genre and generation. From the bridge of the USS Enterprise to the edge of space, he’s embodied the very spirit of adventure. Few actors have remained as relevant or as beloved across such a long and varied career.
Whether commanding a starship, delivering a monologue, or surprising fans at conventions, William Shatner remains boldly unforgettable.