Introduction to William Shatner’s Health Battles
William Shatner fans can breathe easy. The 94-year-old actor is doing well after allegedly experiencing a medical emergency Wednesday afternoon. “I over indulged. I thank you all for caring but I’m perfectly fine,” the “Star Trek” star wrote on X Thursday alongside a meme joking about his “greatly exaggerated … demise.”
William Shatner quelled concerns this week after reports of a medical emergency. Getty Images
TMZ had sparked panic by reporting that Shatner suffered a blood sugar issue at his Los Angeles home and was hospitalized. But the Hollywood legend’s representatives set the record straight. “He is fine,” Shatner’s talent agent, Harry Gold, told USA Today. “I spoke to Mr. Shatner yesterday, and he sounded strong and his same old self.”
History of Health Issues
It’s hardly the first time Shatner’s health has made headlines. Earlier this year, the Emmy winner opened up about his decades-long battle with tinnitus — a chronic ringing in the ears — which he said began while filming the “Star Trek” episode “Arena” in 1967. “I was too close to the special effects’ explosion, and the result was that I was left with permanent tinnitus,” he recalled in a video for the nonprofit Tinnitus Quest.
Shatner is known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek television series and films. Everett Collection / Everett Col
Tinnitus is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of people, according to the Mayo Clinic. For some, it’s mild and only noticeable in quiet moments, but for others, it can be severe and persistent. In those cases, tinnitus can take a serious toll, often leading to sleep problems, trouble concentrating, social isolation and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. “Over the years, I’ve had many ups and downs with my tinnitus, and I know from firsthand experience just how difficult it can get,” Shatner said in the video.
Battling Cancer
But that condition pales in comparison to what the “Boston Legal” actor faced in March 2024: a stage 4 melanoma diagnosis that could have been fatal. The first sign of the aggressive skin cancer was a lump under his right ear. At first, his family doctor told him not to worry, suggesting the lump was a blockage in the parotid gland that would go away with massage. But after a month with no improvement, Shatner sought a second opinion — and learned the truth was far more serious. “They said if this [treatment] they used did not work, I had about five months,” Shatner told Healio, without specifying the exact timing of the diagnosis.
Shatner has been open about his health struggles throughout his career. WireImage
While early detection gives melanoma patients a five-year survival rate of over 99%, that figure plunges to just 35% once the cancer reaches stage 4, according to the American Cancer Society. Thankfully, Shatner underwent surgery to remove the lump and credits a rigorous immunotherapy regimen with saving his life and putting him in remission.
Continuing to Work Actively
At 94, Shatner continues to work actively. Getty Images for SXSW
It wasn’t Shatner’s first brush with a cancer scare. In 2016, the “T.J. Hooker” star revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a sudden spike in his PSA levels — a potential red flag for the disease. However, he later learned it was a false alarm. Shatner said the elevated PSA levels were actually caused by testosterone supplements he was taking at the time. After stopping them, his numbers returned to normal. “That was really scary,” he told NBC News. “I was told by a doctor I had a terminal disease. That I was going to die.”
Dealing with False Reports of Death
In 2018, the internet also prematurely killed him off — this time via a fake Facebook ad that claimed he had died. The site quickly removed the post, with Shatner quipping: “Thank you. I’m not planning on dying so please continue to block those kinds of ads.”
Planning for the Future
But whenever the time does come, the sci-fi legend already has a plan. “I’m going to have my ashes taken and plant a tree over them. A redwood tree,” Shatner said in an October 2022 interview with USA Today. “So, instead of a piece of stone, there’s this living thing that is nourished by my remains and continues on.”
Conclusion
William Shatner has faced numerous health battles throughout his life, including tinnitus, melanoma, and prostate cancer scares. Despite these challenges, he remains active and continues to work in the entertainment industry. His openness about his health struggles has helped raise awareness about various conditions and the importance of seeking medical attention when necessary.
FAQs
Q: What is tinnitus, and how does it affect people?
A: Tinnitus is a common condition characterized by a chronic ringing in the ears, affecting up to 20% of people. It can be mild or severe, leading to sleep problems, trouble concentrating, social isolation, and mental health issues.
Q: What type of cancer did William Shatner have, and how is he doing now?
A: William Shatner was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in March 2024. He underwent surgery and immunotherapy, which successfully put him in remission.
Q: How old is William Shatner, and is he still active in the entertainment industry?
A: William Shatner is 94 years old and continues to work actively in the entertainment industry.
Q: What are William Shatner’s plans for after he passes away?
A: William Shatner plans to have his ashes planted under a redwood tree, which will be nourished by his remains and continue to grow.
