William Shatner net worth in 2024 reflects his decades-long career in entertainment, business ventures, and high-profile public appearances.
As an iconic actor, known globally for playing Captain Kirk in Star Trek, Shatner has built a substantial wealth across various industries.
In this article, we’ll explore his income sources, achievements, and how he continues to thrive financially, even beyond his acting career.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William Shatner |
| Popular Name | William Shatner |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | March 22, 1931 |
| Age | 92 (as of 2024) |
| Parents | Ann (Mother), Joseph Shatner (Father) |
| Siblings | Sister, Joy Shatner |
| Birthplace | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | McGill University, New England Institute of Technology |
| Marital Status | Married (four times) |
| Spouse | Gloria Rand (m. 1956; div. 1969) Marcy Lafferty (m. 1973; div. 1996) Nerine Kidd (m. 1997; died 1999) Elizabeth Anderson Martin (m. 2001; div. 2020) |
| Children | 3 (Melanie Shatner, Lisabeth Shatner, Leslie Carol Shatner) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Investments, Endorsements, Public Appearances, Business Ventures |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
What is the Net Worth Of William Shatner in 2024?
As of 2024, William Shatner’s net worth is estimated to be around $100 million.
This wealth comes from a variety of sources, including his decades-long career in entertainment, lucrative endorsement deals, business investments, and appearances at conventions.
When compared to other iconic actors, Shatner’s net worth places him among the highest-earning actors of his generation.
Some notable figures in the entertainment industry with similar financial success include:
- Leonard Nimoy
- Patrick Stewart
- Mark Hamill
- George Takei
- Bruce Willis
- Tom Hanks
- Sir Ian McKellen
- Harrison Ford
- Morgan Freeman
- Robert Downey Jr.
For a deeper dive into other wealthy actors, check out our guide to the top earners in the film industry here.
William Shatner Salary and Finance Overview
How William Shatner’s Role in Star Trek Contributed to His Wealth
William Shatner‘s portrayal of Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise has been a cornerstone of his career and a significant contributor to his wealth.
The Star Trek franchise, which began in the 1960s, has been an ongoing source of income through residuals, syndication deals, and royalty payments.
Shatner’s involvement in the series has allowed him to benefit from continuous revenue generated by the popularity of the series, its movies, and various merchandise.
Initially earning a modest salary for his work in Star Trek, Shatner’s income skyrocketed with the show’s later success, especially after it became a cult classic in the 1970s.
His contract renegotiations over the years also included a larger cut of the profits from the films and merchandising, further increasing his wealth.
In addition to his role in Star Trek, Shatner’s exposure through public appearances at conventions and his voice work for various Star Trek-related projects continue to boost his financial standing.
His Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond acting, Shatner’s business ventures have played a crucial role in his financial success.
One of his most lucrative investments was in Priceline.com, where Shatner served as the face of the company in commercials.
His initial equity stake in Priceline, along with his role in its promotional campaigns, resulted in millions of dollars in earnings when the company went public in the late 1990s.
This partnership proved highly beneficial to Shatner’s finances, as Priceline stock skyrocketed.
Shatner also invested in Solar Alliance, a company focused on solar energy solutions.
His commitment to sustainable energy has contributed both to his personal wealth and his public image as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
Additionally, Shatner’s other ventures, such as his Third Millennia production company and other lesser-known projects, have further diversified his income sources.
Endorsements and Public Appearances
Endorsements and public appearances have also been a consistent source of income for Shatner.
Throughout his career, he’s partnered with companies like DirecTV, Kellogg’s, Wendy’s, and Priceline, promoting products and services in exchange for hefty endorsement fees.
His recognizable persona and charismatic nature have made him a valuable asset for advertisers, even into his 90s.
Shatner also earns significant sums from attending conventions, speaking engagements, and special events.
His popularity among Star Trek fans ensures that his personal appearances remain highly sought after, and he can command tens of thousands of dollars per event.
Charitable Contributions and Their Financial Implications
Shatner’s financial portfolio is not limited to business ventures and acting. His charitable contributions have also been part of his financial journey.
He’s donated to several causes, including Habitat for Humanity and various animal rights organizations.
Notably, Shatner famously sold one of his kidney stones for charity, earning $75,000 for the Hollywood Charity Horse Show.
While charity work doesn’t directly contribute to his wealth, it bolsters his image, which in turn has an indirect financial benefit, strengthening his public persona and increasing his demand for endorsements and appearances.
His Wealth Beyond Acting
William’s career has been multi-dimensional. In addition to his iconic acting roles, he has ventured into media and music.
Shatner’s albums, including Seeking Major Tom, showcase his versatility and creativity.
His involvement in other media projects, such as Boston Legal and T.J. Hooker, contributed significantly to his wealth, allowing him to tap into multiple entertainment streams.
His role in Boston Legal, where he played the quirky yet brilliant Denny Crane, earned him several awards, including two Emmy Awards.
These accolades have helped cement his reputation in the entertainment industry, allowing him to continue earning from a wide variety of projects.
The Role of Space Travel in William Shatner’s Wealth
In 2021, Shatner made headlines when he became the oldest person to travel to space.
As part of Blue Origin’s space mission, his journey into space further elevated his public profile.
While this momentous event didn’t directly add to his bank account, the media coverage surrounding it undoubtedly had an impact on his financial standing.
Shatner’s involvement in space travel reinforced his status as a cultural icon, and it’s likely that this event will continue to bring opportunities for profitable engagements in the future.
FAQs About William Shatner
How did William Shatner make his money?
He made his money through a combination of acting, endorsements, business investments (notably Priceline.com), public appearances, and media ventures.
What is William Shatner’s involvement in the space industry?
Shatner became the oldest person to fly to space with Blue Origin in 2021. His participation in this historic mission received massive media attention and helped reinforce his status as a cultural icon.
How much did he earn from Priceline?
Shatner’s endorsement of Priceline, which involved him appearing in commercials, resulted in a significant financial gain. He also had an equity stake in the company, which boosted his wealth considerably when Priceline went public.
How many times has William Shatner been married?
He has been married four times. His current spouse is Elizabeth Anderson Martin.
What is his most significant financial investment?
One of Shatner’s most significant financial investments was his stake in Priceline.com, which proved highly lucrative when the company went public. He also made notable investments in solar energy through Solar Alliance.
Conclusion
William Shatner’s wealth is the result of decades of diverse work across acting, business, and public engagements.
His legacy continues to grow, not only in terms of acting but also in entrepreneurial endeavors and philanthropy.
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