William Shatner Net Worth 2025: How the Star Trek Icon Built a $100 Million Fortune
Discover William Shatner’s net worth in 2025 — from Star Trek fame to smart business moves that built his $100 million fortune.
Anya Fernandes
William Shatner is a legendary actor and entertainer who rose to fame as Captain James T. Kirk, building an enduring career across television, film, writing, and public appearances, inspiring audiences globally with creativity, humor, and a remarkable commitment to reinvention.
William Shatner, the legendary Canadian-born actor, author, and entertainer, has spent over seven decades building one of Hollywood’s most remarkable careers. Best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, Shatner became a global symbol of courage, charm, and humor — a true pop-culture legend. As of 2025, Shatner’s net worth is estimated at $100 million, supported by acting, directing, book sales, endorsements, and lucrative convention appearances. From hit TV series like T.J. Hooker, The Practice, and Boston Legal—where his role as Denny Crane won him two Emmys and a Golden Globe—to his smart business deals, Shatner’s success story is one of creativity and reinvention. He began acting in the 1950s and rose to fame in the 1960s with Star Trek, later hosting Rescue 911 and authoring bestselling books and spoken-word albums. Now 94 years old, Shatner continues to work, entertain, and inspire millions. In this article, you’ll explore how William Shatner built his $100 million empire, his income sources, lifestyle, and the truth behind the legendary Priceline rumor — a deep look into one of Hollywood’s most enduring and intelligent stars. You can also learn about other famous personalities, including Dion Dublin net worth, on peoplefortunes.com.
Biography
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Early Life and Education
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William Shatner was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, into a Jewish family. His father, Joseph Shatner, worked as a clothing manufacturer, and his mother, Anne, managed the household. Shatner’s interest in performing developed early, and he often entertained family and schoolmates with stories and dramatic monologues.
He attended Willingdon Elementary School and West Hill High School before graduating from McGill University in 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. Even while studying, he actively participated in student theater groups, radio plays, and local productions, revealing the confidence and stage presence that became trademarks of his later screen roles.
After graduation, Shatner joined the Canadian National Repertory Theatre, where he was trained in classical acting. He performed at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, one of Canada’s most prestigious stages, and quickly earned a reputation as a talented and versatile Shakespearean actor. His commanding voice and strong stage presence would later make him a standout in television and film.
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Career
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Early Career and Rise to Fame
In the 1950s, William Shatner began appearing in Canadian television and films. His early TV roles included guest appearances on The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Playhouse 90. His film debut came in 1958’s The Brothers Karamazov, starring alongside Yul Brynner.
Shatner’s early work showed versatility — from drama to suspense to science fiction — setting him up for his defining role.
Star Trek: The Legacy Begins
In 1966, Shatner took on the role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series. The show, which ran for three seasons, revolutionized television science fiction. His confident, daring, and sometimes humorous performance made him the face of the franchise.
Though Star Trek was not an immediate hit, it became a massive success in reruns. Unfortunately, Shatner did not receive royalties because rerun payments weren’t yet standard. Despite that, his connection with fans grew stronger, and he reprised the role in seven Star Trek films from 1979 to 1994.
Television Success Beyond Star Trek
After Star Trek, Shatner continued to thrive in television. He played a police sergeant in T.J. Hooker (1982–1986), hosted the hit show Rescue 911 (1989–1996), and later gained critical acclaim as Denny Crane in The Practice and its spin-off Boston Legal.
His role as Denny Crane won him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, proving his longevity as a performer. These roles revitalized his career, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his reputation as a top-tier television actor.
Film and Voice Work
Outside television, Shatner appeared in films such as Miss Congeniality, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Over the Hedge (as a voice actor). His roles often mixed comedy and self-awareness, earning him new fans in every decade.
Writing, Music, and Other Ventures
William Shatner has authored more than 30 books, including autobiographies, novels, and Star Trek-themed works. His spoken-word albums — especially The Transformed Man (1968) and Seeking Major Tom (2011) — became cult favorites.
He’s also known for his business ventures and endorsements, the most famous being Priceline.com, where he served as spokesperson starting in 1997. His decision to accept Priceline stock rather than a traditional paycheck became one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about business moves, even though the widely reported $600 million figure is inaccurate.
Personal Life and Relationships
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William Shatner has experienced a rich and eventful personal life, marked by four marriages and a close-knit family. His first marriage was to Gloria Rand on August 12, 1956, and together they had three daughters — Leslie Carol Shatner, Lisabeth Shatner, and Melanie Shatner. The couple divorced in March 1969 during the height of his Star Trek fame. Shatner later married Marcy Lafferty on October 20, 1973, a union that lasted over two decades before ending in December 1996. His third marriage was to Nerine Kidd on November 15, 1997, but their relationship ended in tragedy when Nerine passed away in August 1999 from accidental drowning. In 2001, Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin, a professional horse trainer who shared his love for animals and equestrian life. Their marriage lasted until March 2020, ending in divorce, with Elizabeth reportedly receiving a $2 million settlement and shared property.
Shatner’s parents were Joseph Shatner and Anne Garmaise, and he grew up with siblings Joy Shatner, David Shatner, and Frema Farla Shatner. Despite personal hardships, including loss and divorce, Shatner has remained resilient and optimistic. He channels his energy into horse breeding, philanthropy, and charity work, supporting causes related to animal welfare and disaster relief. Known for his warmth and humor, William Shatner continues to maintain a positive outlook and a strong connection with fans around the world.
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Net Worth (2025)
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In 2025, William Shatner continues to thrive financially through a diverse and successful career that spans acting, directing, writing, endorsements, and convention appearances. His earnings come from major television roles, film work, bestselling books, and high-profile brand partnerships, while paid appearances at fan conventions also contribute significantly, with Shatner earning between $10,000 and $20,000 per hour and up to $150,000 per TV episode. His financial success reflects decades of steady work, profitable ventures, and a rare ability to stay relevant in changing media landscapes.
Comparison of Net Worth with Other Celebrities
Interesting Facts About William Shatner
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Shatner became the oldest person to travel into space in 2021 at age 90 aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket.
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He owns a ranch in Three Rivers, California, and is an avid horse breeder.
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Once sold a kidney stone for $25,000 to raise charity funds.
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Has two Walk of Fame stars — in Hollywood and Canada.
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Authored over 30 books across fiction and memoir genres.
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Maintains a humorous online persona, often joking with fans on X (formerly Twitter).
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Known for his unique spoken-word albums, blending dramatic narration and pop culture humor.
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Current Status and Future Plans
Even at 94, Shatner continues to pursue new projects and public appearances with remarkable energy. He continues attending Star Trek conventions, hosting documentaries, and writing. He recently hinted at new creative projects, including a possible memoir and documentary series on science and space.
He remains a well-regarded figure in Hollywood, appreciated for his humor, self-awareness, and continued creativity. Shatner’s business mindset and enduring appeal ensure his net worth and legacy will continue to grow even beyond 2025.
Social Media Presence
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William Shatner is active and entertaining on social platforms, connecting directly with millions of fans.
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X (Twitter): 2.4million followers
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Instagram: 376k followers
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Facebook: 1.5million followers
He often posts updates about projects, shares humor, and engages with fans on trending topics.
Conclusion
William Shatner’s journey reflects persistence, reinvention, and a rare commitment to staying active in entertainment for more than seventy years. From Star Trek’s fearless Captain Kirk to an Emmy-winning TV lawyer, from a struggling actor to a $100 million fortune, Shatner continues to inspire millions around the world. Even in his nineties, he remains sharp, funny, and active — a true testament to passion and perseverance. Few entertainers have managed to maintain influence as long as Shatner, making him a unique figure in television history. If you’re interested in exploring the fortunes and inspiring journeys of more famous personalities, you can also discover many other celebrity net worth stories on peoplefortunes.com.
FAQ
1. What is William Shatner’s net worth in 2025?
William Shatner’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at $100 million.
2. How did William Shatner make his money?
Through acting, directing, writing, endorsements (especially Priceline), and paid event appearances.
3. Did William Shatner earn $600 million from Priceline?
No. The $600 million rumor is false. Shatner confirmed he made a good profit but nowhere near that figure.
4. What is William Shatner’s salary per episode?
He earned up to $150,000 per episode for TV roles like Boston Legal and $#! My Dad Says*.
5. What are William Shatner’s houses and cars?
He owns a ranch in California and previously held properties in Malibu and Kentucky. His car collection includes luxury sedans and vintage vehicles.
