William Shatner, 95, reveals he and his daughter recently beat cancer
William Shatner has opened up about a private cancer battle that he’s thankfully overcome.
In a new interview, Shatner, aged 95, shared for the first time publicly that he was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma in June 2023, which had spread to his lungs and brain.
Furthermore, his daughter, Melanie, was also fighting stage 4 breast cancer at the same time.
Melanie heartbreakingly recalled to People, “I remember vividly thinking, ‘I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time.” Meanwhile, her father shared, “They said, ‘You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead.’ See? That’s my life. I think the universe is taking care of me.”
Thankfully, three years on from the life-altering diagnosis, both William and Melanie are now cancer-free with the Star Trek icon stating, “I’m thinking of the miracle of a hummingbird, and of my dog taking a ball, and my children. I’m aware of the magic of it all.”
They both received the news that they no longer had cancer in 2024, which was understandably seismic, with Melanie explaining, “It was the third time in my life I had heard him cry.”
Despite being 95, Shatner is making the most of his cancer-free life and is set to release his first heavy metal album later this year.
He is set to debut his new live band at Chicago’s historic Riot Fest in September, which will see him on a bill alongside Tool, Twenty-One Pilots, Pierce The Veil, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Alanis Morissette, Patti Smith, Pixies, Nas, Angine De Poitrine, and Rise Against.
After he was announced on the line-up, Shatner shared, “I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises.”
Shatner continued, “With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”
Additionally, Shatner and Melanie are launching the new podcast No Time But Now, which will see them focus on health and wellbeing, as well as talk with fellow survivors.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.