You’ve seen the memes. You’ve probably seen the grainy clips of a young Captain Kirk fighting a guy in a lizard suit. But when you look at him today, still cracking jokes and hopping on suborbital rockets, it’s hard to wrap your head around the math. Honestly, the most common question floating around the internet isn't about Star Trek lore anymore—it's simply: how old is actor william shatner?
The answer is actually a bit mind-bending.
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931. As of early 2026, he is 94 years old. He will be turning 95 this March. Let that sink in for a second. This is a man who was already a working adult when the Korean War started. He’s lived through nineteen different U.S. Presidencies. Yet, if you caught him on his 2026 convention tour or saw his latest Instagram post, you’d swear he’s found a literal Fountain of Youth in his backyard in Los Angeles.
The Secret to Staying 94 Years Young
People always want to know the "trick." Is it the hair? The energy? The way he still drives himself around L.A. in a Corvette?
Shatner has been pretty open about his health lately, especially after a minor scare in late 2025. In September of last year, reports surfaced that he was rushed to the hospital. Naturally, the internet went into a tailspin. Tabloids were practically writing the obituaries. But true to form, Bill (as his friends call him) hopped on X the very next day to tell everyone to relax. He basically told the world he "overindulged" and had a blood sugar spike.
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He’s fine. Better than fine, actually.
"I am blessed beyond measure with health," he shared during Thanksgiving 2025. He’s not just sitting on a porch, either. His schedule for 2026 is busier than most people in their thirties. We’re talking about a man who is currently:
- Headlining Star Trek: The Cruise IX in February 2026.
- Appearing at Comic-Cons from Seattle to Liverpool.
- Finalizing his latest book, William Shatner And You, set for release later this year.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. He’s been very candid about living with permanent tinnitus—that annoying ringing in the ears—which he’s had since a special effects explosion on the Star Trek set back in the sixties. He says your brain eventually "assimilates the sound," but it’s a reminder that even icons aren't invincible.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With Shatner's Age
Why does everyone keep googling how old is actor william shatner every few months? It’s because he breaks the "rules" of aging.
When he went to space with Blue Origin back in 2021, he was 90. He became the oldest person to ever reach the stars at that time. Most people at 90 are worried about stairs; Shatner was worried about the "Overview Effect" and the profound grief he felt seeing how thin our atmosphere really is. He didn't just go for the photo op. He went and had a philosophical breakthrough that he’s still talking about four years later.
A Timeline of a 95-Year Legacy
If you try to map out his career, it’s basically a history of modern entertainment.
- The Early Days (1950s): He started in Canadian Shakespearean theater. He was a "serious" actor long before he was a sci-fi icon.
- The Trek Era (1966-1969): Three seasons. That’s all it took to change his life forever. He was in his mid-thirties then.
- The "Lost" Years: After Trek was canceled, he famously lived in a camper with his dog. He was broke. He did any job he could get.
- The Comeback: T.J. Hooker, the Star Trek movies, and eventually Boston Legal, which earned him Emmys when he was already in his seventies.
It’s that resilience that keeps him young. He doesn't look back much. He’s always looking at the next project, the next horse show, or the next book.
What You Should Do If You're Inspired by Bill
If you’re looking at Shatner and thinking, "I want that kind of energy when I’m 94," there are some actual takeaways from his lifestyle. He’s a big proponent of staying curious. He dives into tech—he was one of the first big celebs to really "get" social media and even dabbled in AI and NFTs early on.
He also stays physically active through equestrian sports. He’s a world-class breeder of American Saddlebreds and still rides regularly.
Next Steps for Shatner Fans in 2026:
- Check his tour dates: If you want to see the legend in person, he’s hitting Cleveland, Orlando, and Richmond this spring.
- Read 'Boldly Go': If you haven't read his 2022 reflections, it's the best insight into how his mind works as he approaches the century mark.
- Watch the 60th Anniversary Specials: 2026 marks 60 years of Star Trek. Expect Shatner to be front and center for the celebrations, proving that age really is just a number when you’re James T. Kirk.
Honestly, the man is a biological anomaly. But more than that, he’s a reminder that "old" is a state of mind. Whether he’s 94 or 104, William Shatner is likely going to keep boldly going exactly where he wants to.