William Shatner: Boldly Going in His 90s

From Montreal to the Stars

Born in 1931 in Montreal, Canada, William Shatner’s life has been nothing short of cinematic. He graduated from McGill University with a degree in commerce, but his real calling was storytelling. From Shakespearean theatre to television sets, his early years with the Stratford Festival refined his expressive, commanding presence — a presence that would soon make history.

Becoming Captain Kirk

In 1966, Shatner took on the role that would define a generation: Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. With confidence, curiosity, and moral courage, Shatner’s Kirk became the prototype for the modern sci-fi hero — bold yet deeply human.
The series, canceled after only three seasons, found new life in syndication and evolved into a global cultural movement. Shatner’s fearless delivery, combined with Star Trek’s forward-thinking stories, inspired countless scientists, astronauts, and dreamers.

One of the show’s defining moments came in 1968, when Shatner and co-star Nichelle Nichols shared the first interracial kiss on American television — a small scene with a seismic impact on pop culture.

Post-Starship Challenges

When Star Trek ended, Shatner found himself typecast and nearly broke — at one point living out of a pickup truck camper. But the actor’s resilience matched his most famous character’s determination. By 1979, Star Trek: The Motion Picture reignited both the franchise and his career.

This resurgence opened doors to new roles, including the tough-but-fair Sgt. T.J. Hooker, where he traded a starship for city streets, playing a veteran officer mentoring young recruits.

Author, Creator, Visionary

Shatner’s creativity didn’t stop at acting. He co-wrote the sci-fi series TekWar, blending crime and technology years before cyberpunk became mainstream. He also became a prolific author, penning memoirs such as Up Till Now and Shatner Rules, each filled with humor, candor, and self-awareness.

His literary work reveals a man constantly curious — one who never stops asking “what’s next?”

A Voice Unlike Any Other

Beyond film and books, Shatner ventured into music, producing spoken-word albums that mixed drama, poetry, and pop. His 2004 album Has Been, created with Ben Folds, surprised critics with its sincerity and depth.
Whether performing Rocket Man or reflecting on aging, Shatner has always embraced reinvention — even when it defied convention.

A Real Space Odyssey

In 2021, at age 90, William Shatner boarded Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket — becoming the oldest person ever to travel into space. The moment was poetic: a man who had spent decades pretending to explore the stars finally reached them.
After returning to Earth, he said the experience moved him to tears — a reminder of both humanity’s fragility and our limitless potential.

Legacy and Impact

Few figures have shaped science fiction and popular imagination like Shatner. His work inspired generations to look upward, outward, and inward — to embrace curiosity and courage in equal measure.
He’s earned Emmys, Golden Globes, and countless fan tributes, but perhaps his greatest legacy is that he never stopped learning, questioning, or performing.

Still Exploring

Even in his 90s, Shatner continues to work. His documentary You Can Call Me Bill (2023) captures his reflections on life, loss, and legacy. He also hosts The UnXplained on the History Channel — exploring mysteries of our world with the same wonder he once brought to the cosmos.

He’s candid about health challenges, including his recovery from stage 4 melanoma, using his platform to promote awareness and early detection. Still grounded by his family and long-time collaborators, he remains a living reminder that curiosity is the fuel of longevity.

🌟 Highlights

Over 70 years in entertainment — actor, author, director, and musician
Oldest person ever to travel to space (age 90, Blue Origin, 2021)
Starred as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner
Host of The UnXplained on the History Channel

🌿 Longevity Habits (What We Notice)

Curiosity as fuel: Shatner’s endless fascination with life, science, and art keeps his mind sharp and engaged.
Creative reinvention: He’s constantly learning — from acting and writing to directing and recording.
Movement and purpose: Even into his 90s, Shatner maintains a busy schedule filled with projects that excite him.
Connection: His openness and humor have kept him relevant across generations.

💡 What We Can Learn

Longevity thrives on curiosity and courage. Shatner shows us that reinvention isn’t a midlife strategy — it’s a lifelong habit. The moment you stop exploring, the universe stops expanding.

💬 Pull Quote

“I don’t want to be a passenger in life. I want to be the driver, full throttle, all the way.”