You know what’s fascinating? Some people live multiple lives in one lifetime. Not literally, of course, but through the things they do, the roles they play, and the legacies they leave behind. William Shatner is one of those rare souls.
Most of us know him as the fearless Captain James T. Kirk from Star Trek, boldly william shatner net worth going where no man has gone before. But to be honest, his story doesn’t stop at the final frontier. Shatner’s journey has been filled with twists, reinventions, financial ups and downs, and a resilience that would make even Captain Kirk proud.
And here’s the kicker — at over 90 years old, he’s still building his fortune, still creating, and still proving that age is just a number. So today, let’s take a look at William Shatner’s net worth, how he earned it, and why his career is one of the most inspiring success stories in Hollywood.
William Shatner Net Worth 2025
The Big Number
As of 2025, William Shatner’s net worth is estimated to be around $120 million.
Yes, you read that right — over one hundred million dollars! And what’s even more impressive is how he built it. Shatner didn’t just rely on acting paychecks; he diversified, invested smartly, and turned his fame into a lifelong financial empire.
So, how did he do it? Let’s dive in.
The Early Days: From Montreal to Hollywood
Humble Beginnings
William Shatner was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1931. Growing up in a middle-class family, he learned early on that nothing comes easy. He attended McGill University, where he studied economics — funny enough, that probably helped him later with his investments.
But deep down, Shatner had his sights set on something bigger — storytelling. Acting. Performing. You could say the stage was his true calling.
After college, he joined the Canadian National Repertory Theatre, where he honed his craft. It wasn’t glamorous — long rehearsals, small roles, and little pay. But like any true dreamer, Shatner saw it as a stepping stone, not a setback.
By the 1950s, he moved to the U.S. to pursue film and television roles. That’s when everything started to change.
The Breakthrough: Becoming Captain Kirk
A Star Is Born
You know what’s interesting? Sometimes one role can define an entire career — and for Shatner, that role was Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek.
When Star Trek first aired in 1966, it wasn’t an instant global hit. In fact, it got canceled after just three seasons. But the show gained a cult following through reruns, and Shatner suddenly found himself as an icon — the captain of the starship Enterprise and the face of an entire sci-fi generation.
Of course, fame didn’t immediately equal fortune. In the early years, he wasn’t earning millions per episode. After Star Trek was canceled, Shatner went through tough financial times — he even lived out of a truck for a while.
But the man was a fighter. Instead of fading into obscurity, he reinvented himself again and again.
Building the Fortune: More Than Just an Actor
From TV to Film Stardom
When the Star Trek movies began in the late 1970s, Shatner’s career — and income — skyrocketed. As the star of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and its sequels, he became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.
By the time the franchise expanded, Shatner was earning millions per film, plus residuals from TV reruns and merchandise.
But he didn’t stop there. He took on other successful roles, like:
- T.J. Hooker (1982–1986) – another TV hit that paid him handsomely.
- Boston Legal (2004–2008) – where his performance as Denny Crane won him multiple Emmys and boosted his net worth further.
Each decade brought new opportunities — and Shatner made sure to capitalize on them.
Voice Work, Endorsements, and Public Appearances
Shatner has one of those voices you can recognize anywhere. And he’s used it to great effect.
He’s done voiceovers for animated shows, video games, and even commercials. Companies love his distinctive tone and humor — it makes him instantly memorable.
Then there’s his long list of brand endorsements. Over the years, Shatner has appeared in commercials for major brands, earning millions from advertising alone.
One of his most famous partnerships? Priceline.com.
The Priceline Story: A Legendary Investment
How a Commercial Turned into Millions
Here’s where Shatner’s financial story takes a genius turn.
Back in the 1990s, Shatner agreed to do commercials for a then-little-known travel website, Priceline. Instead of taking his full payment in cash, he accepted stock options — a move that would turn out to be one of the smartest financial decisions of his life.
When Priceline went public and its stock soared, Shatner’s shares reportedly became worth tens of millions. Some estimates even suggest the deal earned him over $25 million, though he’s been modest about confirming the exact figure.
Talk about playing the long game!
Other Income Streams
Writing and Music
You might not know this, but William Shatner is also a prolific author. He’s written over 30 books, including novels, memoirs, and even Star Trek spinoffs. These works have brought in steady royalties over the years.
And yes — he’s also released music albums! While not everyone considers him a musical genius (his spoken-word style is… unique), his albums have sold well and added to his earnings.
Conventions and Public Speaking
Let’s not forget about Star Trek conventions. Fans pay big money for photos, autographs, and meet-and-greets with Shatner. Considering how massive the Star Trek fandom is, these appearances alone can bring in hundreds of thousands annually.
Plus, as a respected speaker, he gets invited to events, universities, and business conferences — earning additional income while sharing stories from his incredible career.
The Space Trip: Literally Out of This World
Going to Space at 90
In 2021, William Shatner made history again — he became the oldest person ever to travel to space aboard Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin rocket.
To be honest, it was a full-circle moment. After decades of pretending to travel among the stars on screen, he finally got to do it for real.
And guess what? The trip didn’t just inspire millions — it revitalized his public image and introduced him to a whole new generation. His space journey was covered by every major media outlet, adding yet another layer of fame (and financial value) to his name.
Lifestyle and Philanthropy
How William Shatner Spends His Fortune
You might expect someone with over $100 million to william shatner live extravagantly, but Shatner’s lifestyle is surprisingly balanced. Sure, he owns beautiful homes, classic cars, and enjoys luxury, but he’s also known for his generosity.
He’s a passionate philanthropist, donating to causes like:
- Children’s hospitals
- Animal welfare (he’s a big supporter of horse rescues)
- Environmental charities
In fact, he once sold one of his prize horses for over $25,000 — and gave all the money to charity.
That’s the kind of class that proves money doesn’t define him — it empowers him to give back.
Challenges Along the Way
Financial Ups and Downs
It’s easy to look at William Shatner’s current wealth and think it was smooth sailing. But like many celebrities, he’s faced financial struggles too.
After Star Trek’s original cancellation, Shatner went through a period of serious hardship. He’s admitted to living out of a truck, taking any acting job he could find to support his family.
Even later in his career, he faced business losses and personal expenses that tested his finances. But here’s what’s admirable — he always bounced back.
Shatner’s resilience isn’t just inspiring; it’s proof that consistency and smart decisions can turn any setback into a comeback.
Comparing His Wealth
William Shatner vs. Other Sci-Fi Legends
Let’s see where Shatner stands among his peers:
| Celebrity | Estimated Net Worth | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| William Shatner | $120 million | Star Trek, acting, Priceline |
| Leonard Nimoy (at death) | $45 million | Spock, directing |
| Patrick Stewart | $75 million | Star Trek: The Next Generation |
| Mark Hamill | $18 million | Star Wars (Luke Skywalker) |
Not bad for a guy who once lived in his car, right?
Lessons from William Shatner’s Success
What We Can Learn from His Journey
Honestly, Shatner’s life is packed with lessons that go beyond acting or fame. Here are a few gems:
- Reinvention is key.
When one door closes, find another one—or build your own. Shatner has reinvented himself countless times over 70+ years. - Take smart risks.
That Priceline stock decision? Pure brilliance. Sometimes a calculated risk pays off bigger than cash. - Keep learning.
Even at 90, Shatner keeps exploring, writing, and trying new things. Success isn’t about age; it’s about curiosity. - Give back.
He uses his wealth to make the world a little better. And that’s the real mark of success.
Conclusion
So, what does William Shatner’s net worth really tell us?
Sure, it’s a staggering $120 million — but behind that number is a lifetime of persistence, reinvention, and passion. From a struggling actor in the 1960s to a global icon, Shatner’s story proves that no matter where you start, it’s never too late to build something extraordinary.
He’s not just rich in money — he’s rich in experiences, impact, and legacy.
And if there’s one thing we can all take from his journey, it’s this: keep going boldly, no matter what challenges come your way.
FAQs
Q1: What is William Shatner’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, William Shatner’s net worth is approximately $120 million, thanks to his acting, business deals, and smart investments.
Q2: How did William Shatner make his money?
He earned his fortune through acting (Star Trek, Boston Legal), writing, endorsements (especially his Priceline deal), and long-term investments.
Q3: Is William Shatner still active in Hollywood?
Yes! Even in his 90s, Shatner remains active with public appearances, voice acting, and creative projects