William Shatner Net Worth

William Shatner’s Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of Captain Kirk

William Shatner, a name synonymous with science fiction and the iconic Captain James T. Kirk, has built a remarkable career spanning decades. But what is the true extent of his wealth? This article delves into William Shatner’s net worth, exploring his diverse career, from his breakthrough role in Star Trek to his ventures in music, space, and beyond. We’ll examine his earnings, investments, and personal life to provide a comprehensive overview of his financial standing.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, William Shatner’s journey began in a Jewish family. Originally bearing the surname Schattner, his paternal grandfather anglicized it to Shatner. He attended Willingdon Elementary School and West Hill High School before immersing himself in the arts at the Montreal Children’s Theatre. Demonstrating an early aptitude for academics, Shatner pursued Economics at McGill University in Montreal, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1952.

Acting Career and Star Trek

Shatner’s career took flight after college when he took on the role of business manager for a playhouse in Montreal. His passion for theater led him to the Canadian National Repertory Theatre, where he honed his skills as a classical Shakespearean actor. This training culminated in a series of roles at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival starting in 1954. That same year, Shatner also gained early television exposure as Ranger Bob on The Canadian “Howdy Doody Show.” His foray into film came in 1958 with a role in “The Brothers Karamazov.” A notable early television appearance included an episode of “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” titled “The Glass Eye.”

However, his true breakthrough arrived when he was cast as Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” which aired from 1966 to 1969. This role catapulted him to international fame. His portrayal of the bold and charismatic starship captain earned him a devoted fan following and cemented his status as a science fiction icon. This iconic role continues to define his legacy.

Beyond Star Trek: Television and Film Successes

After the initial run of “Star Trek,” Shatner maintained a successful career in television. He starred as the title character in the legal drama series “T.J. Hooker” (1982-1986), showcasing his versatility and ability to captivate audiences in different genres. He also hosted the popular reality show “Rescue 911” (1989-1996), demonstrating his ability to connect with a broad audience. Shatner also reprised his role as Captain Kirk in seven “Star Trek” feature films between 1979 and 1994, keeping the character alive for new generations of fans. Beyond these roles, he co-starred in the 2000 movie “Miss Congeniality” and its 2004 sequel, “Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous.”

In the 2000s, Shatner gained further popularity for his comedic roles, particularly his Emmy-winning performance as the eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on the series “Boston Legal” (2004-2008). He demonstrated his ability to remain relevant and embraced diverse roles throughout his career, starring in two seasons of NBC’s “Better Late Than Never” from 2016 to 2018.

Convention Appearances and Earnings

William Shatner remains highly sought-after by fans, attending dozens of conventions annually. These appearances provide fans with opportunities to meet him, get autographs, and hear him speak. He charges $10,000 for travel expenses, and a minimum of $10,000 per hour, with a minimum booking of five hours. These conventions contribute significantly to his annual earnings and allow him to connect with his devoted fanbase.

The Priceline Rumor and Shatner’s Response

One persistent rumor surrounding William Shatner’s wealth involves his association with Priceline.com. The rumor claimed that he made an astounding $600 million as the commercial pitchman for the online travel agency. This, however, is untrue. Shatner signed on in 1997 to be the “Priceline Negotiator,” starring in a series of commercials for the then-upstart dot-com company. The rumor gained traction during the internet boom. Some speculated that Shatner had taken stock options instead of cash. When the internet bubble burst, Priceline’s stock plummeted. However, the shares later rebounded, and rumors began circulating that Shatner’s shares were worth $600 million.

Shatner has consistently and vehemently denied these rumors. He addressed the issue publicly, including an interview with Howard Stern. He also used his Twitter account to dispel the rumors, stating, “Someone stupid said a stupid thing about me making $600M. It ain’t so. Relatives are coming out of the woodwork. Too bad it never happened.”

Imeh Akpanudosen / Getty Images

Personal Life and Relationships

William Shatner has been married four times. His first marriage was to Canadian actress Gloria Rand in August 1956. Together, they had three daughters: Leslie (1958), Lisabeth (1960), and Melanie (1964). The marriage ended during the filming of the original “Star Trek” series, and Rand divorced him in March 1969. His second marriage was to Marcy Lafferty, lasting from 1973 to 1996. His third marriage was to Nerine Kidd Shatner in 1997. Tragically, Nerine died in 1999, when she was found at the bottom of their swimming pool. The coroner ruled her death an accidental drowning. In 2001, Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin; they divorced in January 2020, following the terms of a prenuptial agreement.

In June 2011, McGill University awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Letters. He was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters from the New England Institute of Technology in May 2018. Shatner made headlines in 2021 when he became the oldest person to fly into space at the age of 90, aboard the Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule.

William Shatner’s Salary and Real Estate

Shatner has a reported salary of $150,000 per episode of a television show. His real estate holdings include a longtime residence in Los Angeles, a four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 4,016-square-foot home in Studio City, California. As part of his 2020 divorce settlement, he deeded properties in Malibu and Kentucky to his ex-wife. Shatner retains ownership of an 18-acre ranch in Three Rivers, California, purchased in 1979.

Shatner’s Ventures into Music and Space

Beyond acting, Shatner has explored various creative avenues, including a career as a recording artist. His first album, “The Transformed Man,” was released in 1968. His most successful album was his third, “Seeking Major Tom,” released in 2011. This album featured covers of songs like David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly,” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Shatner’s willingness to take risks and experiment with different forms of expression has kept him in the public eye for decades.

In 2021, at the age of 90, Shatner became the oldest person to travel to space. He took a trip on the Blue Origin sub-orbital capsule, an event that captured global attention and further solidified his status as a cultural icon, always pushing boundaries and embracing new experiences.

Conclusion

William Shatner’s net worth, estimated at $100 million, reflects a long and varied career. From his iconic role as Captain Kirk to his diverse ventures in film, television, music, and even space, Shatner has consistently demonstrated an ability to reinvent himself and stay relevant. While rumors of exorbitant gains from Priceline have been debunked, his earnings from acting, conventions, and other endeavors have established him as a financially successful and culturally significant figure. William Shatner’s story is a testament to the power of talent, adaptability, and the enduring appeal of a true icon.