There’s a tremor rippling through the hearts of fans, a quiet concern sparked by recent candid reflections from the legendary William Shatner. The iconic Captain James T. Kirk, now 94 years young, has openly shared a realization about his own mortality, a truth that has stirred deep emotions and, yes, even brought tears to the eyes of those who have admired him for decades. But before you reach for that box of tissues, let’s set the record straight: this isn’t a devastating new medical diagnosis, but rather a profound acceptance of life’s natural course from a man who continues to defy expectations, live vibrantly, and inspire us all.
Indeed, when Shatner shared with Variety in 2023, “I don’t have long to live,” and elaborated, “Whether I keel over as I’m speaking to you or 10 years from now, my time is limited,” it certainly sounds alarming. However, as he himself clarifies, this isn’t a pronouncement from a doctor, but a simple, scientific fact for anyone at his advanced age. What truly makes this “announcement” resonate is not the fact of mortality itself, but the remarkable way William Shatner embraces it, transforming what could be seen as a somber reflection into a powerful testament to living life to the absolute fullest.
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His journey has been anything but smooth sailing, and his openness about his health challenges only deepens our admiration. For over three decades, William Shatner has privately grappled with tinnitus, a persistent and often debilitating ringing in the ears. This condition, which he has publicly termed “difficult,” emerged from an unexpected incident during his early career, an experience he vividly recalls. It was while filming the classic Star Trek episode “Arena” that his world, quite literally, changed.
“My own journey with tinnitus started when I was filming a Star Trek episode called Arena, and I was too close to the special effects explosion, and the result was that I was left with permanent tinnitus,” he revealed in a video for the nonprofit Tinnitus Quest. This wasn’t a fleeting inconvenience; it was a permanent change that profoundly impacted his daily life. He confessed, “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.”
Diagnosed in the 1990s, Shatner discovered that, dishearteningly, “there are no effective treatments” for his specific form of the condition. Tinnitus, as explained by the American Tinnitus Association, is the “perception of sound when no actual external noise is present,” often described as “ringing in the ears,” but also experienced as “buzzing, hissing, whistling, swooshing, or clicking.” He notes that “about 1 to 2 percent of the population suffer from a chronic, debilitating form of tinnitus.”
He even recounted the poignant moment he first noticed it to E! News in 2023: “I was on the beach and it’s a vivid moment, and you know how the waves go out — the wave comes in [roars] and then it goes ‘ssss’ [as it] goes out. All of a sudden, I kept hearing a ‘ssss’ even though there was another wave coming. And that’s how I discovered [I had tinnitus].” While his brain has learned to “assimilate the sound, like it would if you were living beside an airport,” the struggle remains real. He admits, “Sometimes it’s really bad, but I know it’s not going to kill me,” a testament to his enduring resilience.
This personal battle has fueled his advocacy, inspiring him to champion the cause of Tinnitus Quest. He implores, “The more money we can raise for Tinnitus Quest, the quicker we can find a solution to help the millions of people suffering.” It’s a powerful call to action from someone who truly understands the silent struggle, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to helping others navigate their own health challenges.
Beyond tinnitus, Shatner has faced other significant health scares with remarkable courage. Last year, he revealed a diagnosis of stage 4 melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. This discovery began with a lump near his right ear. Though his family physician initially advised massage, Shatner’s intuition led him to seek a second opinion a month later, a decision that proved life-saving.
He emotionally recounted the interaction with the doctor who eventually diagnosed him: “He had artistic hands and put them on my cheek and he said, ‘We better get this out.’ It was said with such kindness and there was such gentility above the touch of this doctor on my jaw that I saw the care and love that the doctor can give the patient in that moment.” Following the surgery, Shatner underwent immunotherapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment that reengineers the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells, leading to a successful outcome.
Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which starts in the cells that give skin, hair, and eyes their color, accounts for the most skin cancer deaths, according to the National Cancer Institute. It’s crucial for everyone to be aware of the signs, looking for changes to existing moles or new growths. Experts advise using the ABCDE guide: Asymmetrical moles, irregular Borders, multiple Colors, a Diameter larger than 6 millimeters, and Evolution in size, shape, or color over time. If any of these sound familiar, a visit to the dermatologist is essential. Mohs surgery, a microscopically controlled procedure, is often used for skin cancer removal, especially on the face, ears, and nose, offering high cure rates in early stages.
Another “really scary” moment came in 2016, when elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels raised concerns about prostate cancer during a routine screening. Prostate cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early, and even advanced cases can often be effectively managed due to medical advances. However, the anxiety surrounding such a diagnosis is immense. Shatner later learned it was a false alarm, caused by testosterone supplements he had been taking. Once he stopped the supplements, his PSA levels returned to normal, and further testing confirmed he did not have cancer.
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include frequent urination, waking at night to urinate, blood in the urine, difficulty with erections, pain during urination, and pain in bones. While routine screenings are key, experts emphasize considering personal risk factors like family history, genetics, and age when deciding on a screening plan, especially for men between 55 and 69.
Despite these health setbacks and the natural contemplation of mortality at his age, William Shatner remains remarkably, almost unbelievably, active and engaged. At 94, he continues to embrace life with an infectious enthusiasm that truly sets him apart. This isn’t a man winding down; it’s a man speeding up, determined to squeeze every drop of experience from his remaining time.
His current activities are nothing short of astounding. He’s the star of a new documentary, “You Can Call Me Bill,” which premiered at the South by Southwest film festival and delves into his life, career, and indeed, the very topic of mortality. This film is his way of leaving a legacy, of sharing his thoughts and ideas so they aren’t “just lost to the void when he’s gone.” It’s a deeply personal exploration, allowing him to “discover something I’ve never said before or find a way to say something I’ve said before in a different way, so I can explore that truth further.”
Beyond the screen, Shatner’s schedule is packed. On April 8th, he’s set to give a talk in front of 60,000 people at Indiana University Memorial Stadium, a massive undertaking for anyone, let alone someone in their mid-nineties. Come December, he’ll embark on an adventurous cruise to Antarctica, showcasing his enduring sense of wonder. He’s also actively touring across the country with acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in a live show titled “Rocking,” blending his passion for storytelling with science.
