William Shatner is one of the most enduring and recognizable figures in television and pop culture history. Best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, Shatner’s career has spanned over seven decades across television, film, music, literature, and even space exploration. His charisma, unique vocal delivery, and larger-than-life personality have made him a beloved public figure worldwide.
Given his age and the longevity of his public life, many fans often ask: Is William Shatner still alive? In this article, we offer a definitive answer, along with a deep look at his current life status, health, ongoing work, and cultural impact.
Is William Shatner Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, William Shatner is still alive as of 2025.
Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Shatner is currently 94 years old. Despite his advanced age, he remains remarkably active, participating in media appearances, interviews, conventions, and writing projects. He continues to enjoy good health and stays involved in various creative and philanthropic endeavors.
In fact, his continued vitality and curiosity, especially in science and exploration, have kept him in the public eye well into his nineties.
Early Career and Path to Stardom
Shatner began his acting career in Canadian theater and television during the 1950s. He trained at the Canadian National Repertory Theatre and appeared in numerous Shakespearean productions, which helped develop his dramatic range and presence.
His early film work included small roles in movies like The Brothers Karamazov (1958) and guest appearances on popular shows such as The Twilight Zone and Gunsmoke. However, it wasn’t until 1966 that he gained international fame with the premiere of Star Trek, where he played the bold and fearless Captain Kirk.
Although the original Star Trek series only lasted three seasons, it became a cult classic through reruns and established Shatner as a sci-fi legend.
Star Trek and Cultural Icon Status
As Captain James T. Kirk, William Shatner became synonymous with leadership, bravery, and the spirit of exploration. His performance in Star Trek: The Original Series set the tone for generations of sci-fi heroes. His chemistry with co-stars Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and DeForest Kelley (Dr. McCoy) contributed to the show’s lasting appeal.
Shatner reprised the role in seven Star Trek feature films, culminating in Star Trek: Generations (1994), where his character heroically dies. Despite his character’s death, Shatner remained connected to the Star Trek universe through documentaries, fan events, and voiceovers.
Captain Kirk became a pop culture archetype, and Shatner’s portrayal helped elevate science fiction into mainstream television and film.
Career Beyond Star Trek
William Shatner successfully reinvented himself after Star Trek. He took on various roles in television and film, often blending humor with drama. Some of his notable post-Trek work includes:
- T.J. Hooker (1982–1986): A police drama in which he starred as a hard-nosed sergeant.
- Rescue 911 (1989–1996): A reality-based series hosted by Shatner, focusing on emergency rescues.
- Boston Legal (2004–2008): He earned two Emmy Awards for playing eccentric attorney Denny Crane.
- The Practice (2004): His portrayal of Crane began here before transitioning into Boston Legal.
He has also appeared in commercials, animated series, and sketch comedy shows, frequently parodying his own fame with self-awareness and humor.
Music, Writing, and Other Ventures
In addition to acting, Shatner has explored other artistic avenues. He has released several spoken-word and music albums, blending genres with theatrical flair. His musical works, such as The Transformed Man and Has Been, were met with both amusement and acclaim for their creativity and originality.
He is also a prolific author, having written:
- Autobiographies like Up Till Now and Live Long and…
- Star Trek-related novels and memoirs
- Science fiction books and collaborations with ghostwriters
- Humor and philosophy-themed books
His writings often explore themes of aging, identity, fame, and curiosity, offering readers insight into the mind of a man who has constantly evolved with time.
Spaceflight and Real-World Exploration
In October 2021, William Shatner made history by becoming the oldest person to travel to space. At age 90, he flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft on a suborbital flight that lasted about 11 minutes.
The journey was not just symbolic; it was deeply emotional for Shatner. Upon landing, he described the experience as “profound” and “life-changing,” expressing awe and sadness at the fragile beauty of Earth. His flight bridged science fiction and reality, reinforcing his legacy as a true explorer in every sense.
This milestone further cemented his place in history — not just as a fictional captain, but as a real-world space traveler.
Health Status and Lifestyle
At 94, Shatner remains in remarkably good health. He continues to travel, give interviews, write, and engage with fans. He credits his longevity to a disciplined lifestyle, including regular exercise, curiosity, and staying mentally active.
He has acknowledged age-related changes, including reduced mobility and energy, but shows no signs of cognitive decline or major illness. He remains fully engaged in creative projects and continues to interact with audiences online and in person.
Shatner has often emphasized the importance of staying purposeful and adventurous, even in later years — an approach that seems to serve him well.
Legacy and Influence
William Shatner’s influence goes far beyond Star Trek. He represents the possibilities of reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. His contributions span:
- Television history, with groundbreaking roles
- Pop culture, as a meme, icon, and reference point
- Science advocacy, through support for space exploration
- Literary contributions, with books that inform and entertain
- Aging with vitality, serving as a model for living fully
He has inspired generations of actors, scientists, fans, and thinkers. His portrayal of Captain Kirk has become a blueprint for leadership and bravery, while his real-life journey continues to defy expectations.
FAQs
Is William Shatner still alive in 2025?
Yes. William Shatner is alive and 94 years old as of 2025. He remains active in public life through writing, media, and speaking engagements.
What is William Shatner best known for?
He is best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series and its films. He also starred in T.J. Hooker, Boston Legal, and hosted Rescue 911.
Did William Shatner go to space?
Yes. In October 2021, Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space, flying with Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft.
Has William Shatner won any awards?
Yes. He has won two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also honored with lifetime achievement awards from various institutions.
What is William Shatner doing now?
He continues to write books, make media appearances, and participate in fan conventions. He remains a respected voice in entertainment and pop culture.
Conclusion
William Shatner is still alive, vibrant, and making meaningful contributions to entertainment, culture, and public discourse. With a career that has transcended time and genre, he exemplifies what it means to live with curiosity, courage, and creativity.
From his days on the Starship Enterprise to his real-life space voyage, Shatner’s journey continues to inspire. He has embraced each chapter of his life with passion and innovation, becoming a living legend not only in science fiction, but in human achievement.