William Shatner (born March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor best known for portraying James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise from 1966 to 1994. His career includes notable roles in T. J. Hooker, Rescue 911, and Boston Legal, earning two Emmy Awards. Shatner has also released albums, including Seeking Major Tom (2011). In 2021, at age 90, he became the oldest person to fly in space aboard Blue Origin, experiencing the overview effect shortly after.
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William Shatner Net Worth
William Shatner has a net worth of $100 million and charges $10,000 for travel expenses plus $10,000 per hour, with a five-hour minimum, for convention appearances. A persistent rumor suggests he made $600 million from his role as the “Priceline Negotiator” in 1997.
However, this is untrue; although he received stock instead of cash, the value plummeted during the dotcom bust. While Priceline’s stock eventually rebounded, Shatner did not become a billionaire from his involvement.
Early life
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighborhood of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to a Conservative Jewish family. He has two siblings, Joy Rutenberg and Farla Cohen. Shatner studied economics at McGill University, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1952.
He was also a camp counselor, helping Holocaust survivor Fred Bild learn English. In recognition of his achievements, McGill University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Letters in 2011, followed by the New England Institute of Technology in 2018.
Career
William Shatner’s film career began while he was in college, starting with a minor role in The Butler’s Night Off (1951). After graduating, he performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, gaining acclaim for his roles in Tamburlaine and Henry V.
His breakthrough came with the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek (1966-1969), where he gained fame despite initial typecasting struggles. His later successes included starring in the Star Trek films and the series T. J. Hooker, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
Personal life
William Shatner has been married four times. His first wife was Gloria Rand, with whom he had three daughters. Shatner’s second marriage to Marcy Lafferty lasted from 1973 to 1996. His third wife, Nerine Kidd, tragically drowned in 1999 due to accidental causes related to alcoholism.
Shatner later married Elizabeth Anderson Martin in 2001, co-writing the song “Together” for his 2004 album Has Been. He filed for divorce from her in 2019, finalizing it in January 2020.
How many Star Trek actors are still alive?
As of March 10, 2024, following the death of Nichelle Nichols at age 89 in 2022, William Shatner is one of only three surviving cast members from the original Star Trek series. The others are George Takei, who is 85, and Walter Koenig, who is 86.
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Conclusion
William Shatner’s journey from Captain Kirk to a space-traveling nonagenarian is a tale of perseverance, talent, and savvy personal branding. His story transcends the entertainment industry, inspiring generations and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
FAQs about William Shatner’s Net Worth
- What are the major contributors to William Shatner’s net worth?
- Acting in film and TV, particularly Star Trek, along with his writing, directing, and producing roles.
- Did Shatner’s role in Star Trek make him wealthy?
- While it boosted his fame, his wealth is more attributable to his diverse career and business ventures beyond Star Trek.
- Has Shatner invested in any notable ventures?
- Details of his personal investments aren’t widely publicized, but his career choices suggest a strategic approach to business.
- What impact did his role in Star Trek have on his career?
- His role as Captain Kirk was pivotal, defining his career and opening doors to numerous other opportunities.
- What can we learn from Shatner’s career trajectory?
- Diversification and reinvention are key to a long-lasting and successful career in the dynamic entertainment industry.
