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The Star Trek legend has faced some serious health scares in recent years. Here’s what we know about his cancer journey.
William Shatner has become as known for his resilience as he has for his iconic roles. The Hollywood icon recently opened up about his battle with stage 4 cancer, revealing in a July 22, 2026 joint interview with People that he and his daughter faced the disease at the same time. Behind the trademark energy, the actor has been through more health scares than fans might have realized.
Find out what we know about the diagnosis and how he beat it.
How Old Is William Shatner Now?
Shatner is 95 years old. He was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
What Form of Cancer Does William Shatner Have?
Shatner was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma in June 2023, according to People. The aggressive form of skin cancer had already spread to his lungs and brain by the time doctors caught it. Concern was first raised after a lump grew on his cheek, which was initially dismissed as a blocked salivary gland. He is now cancer-free after successful immunotherapy treatment, which he first publicly shared during a March 2024 keynote at the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting in San Diego, according to Today.
What Type of Cancer Does Shatner’s Daughter Have?
Melanie Shatner Gretsch, William’s daughter with his first ex-wife Gloria Rand, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2022, as she and her father revealed in their joint People interview. Melanie underwent treatment at UCLA Health under Dr. Carlie Thompson and is now cancer-free thanks to a specific chemotherapy developed by her doctor, according to a UCLA Health interview. Her diagnosis came just before her father’s, meaning the pair faced their stage 4 battles at the same time.
Has Shatner Had Health Issues Before?
Yes. In addition to melanoma, Shatner has also revealed a past battle with prostate cancer, via Us Weekly. He was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in September 2025 after experiencing a blood sugar issue at his home and was reported to be resting comfortably during his stay, TMZ reported at the time. In April 2026, he addressed viral AI-generated rumors that he had stage 4 brain cancer, writing “None of these stories is true” and assuring fans he was “fit as a fiddle” in a post on X. Through it all, Shatner has kept working, kept speaking his truth and kept proving that even Hollywood’s most enduring icons have real stories worth sharing.
