William Shatner Net Worth 2025: How Much Is the Star Trek Legend Worth?
Ever wondered how much William Shatner is worth after a career spanning more than seven decades in Hollywood? From his iconic role as Captain Kirk to his diverse ventures in writing and music, Shatner has built an impressive legacy. As of 2025, William Shatner’s net worth is estimated to be a remarkable $100 million.
William Shatner Net Worth Overview
With a career that has boldly gone where few have gone before, William Shatner has amassed a net worth of $100 million. This figure reflects his long and varied career in the entertainment industry, which includes not only acting but also writing, directing, and music.
His financial success is a testament to his enduring popularity and his ability to reinvent himself over the years, remaining relevant to new generations of fans.
How Did William Shatner Build His Wealth?
Shatner’s fortune wasn’t built overnight. It’s the result of a multifaceted career with several key income streams that have contributed to his substantial net worth.
Star Trek and Acting Career
The foundation of William Shatner’s fame and wealth is undoubtedly his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series. While the show only ran from 1966 to 1969, it launched him into stardom and led to seven feature films.
Beyond the Starship Enterprise, Shatner starred in the popular 1980s police drama T.J. Hooker and found critical acclaim in the 2000s with his Emmy-winning role as Denny Crane in Boston Legal. His comedic turn in films like Miss Congeniality also added to his earnings.
Convention Appearances
A significant and steady source of income for Shatner comes from his appearances at fan conventions. He is a major draw at events around the world, where he engages with fans and shares stories from his career.
He reportedly charges a handsome fee for these appearances, often commanding $10,000 for travel expenses plus an hourly rate of $10,000, with a five-hour minimum booking. With dozens of appearances each year, this has become a lucrative part of his career.
Writing and Books
William Shatner is also a prolific author, having penned numerous books over the years. His literary work includes memoirs, where he shares personal stories and reflections, as well as a series of science fiction novels.
His books have consistently found an audience, providing another reliable income stream and allowing him to connect with fans on a different level.
Music and Recording Career
In a more unconventional career move, Shatner has also made a name for himself as a recording artist. He is known for his unique spoken-word albums, where he delivers dramatic interpretations of popular songs.
While his musical style is often debated, his 2011 album Seeking Major Tom was a commercial success, even landing on the Billboard charts.
The Priceline Myth: Did He Really Make $600 Million?
One of the most persistent rumors surrounding William Shatner’s wealth is that he made a staggering $600 million from his role as the Priceline Negotiator. However, this is a myth that the actor himself has repeatedly debunked.
While he was compensated with stock options for his work with the travel company, the value of those shares never reached the rumored amount. Shatner has publicly addressed the rumor, including in an interview with Howard Stern, to set the record straight.
Star Trek Earnings: The Truth About Reruns
Another common misconception is that Shatner has earned a fortune from the endless reruns of the original Star Trek series. The surprising truth is that he has earned zero dollars from these reruns.
The concept of syndication and residual payments for reruns was not established until after Star Trek was canceled in 1969. The unions negotiated for these fees shortly after the show ended, meaning the original cast did not benefit from the new rules.
Early Career and Financial Challenges
Despite his success on Star Trek, Shatner faced financial difficulties during the show’s run. He was going through a divorce and supporting three children, which meant that despite earning good money for the time, he was actually broke throughout much of the series.
It wasn’t until the 1970s that Shatner achieved real financial stability. He toured with theater productions across the United States, particularly on the East Coast, and gradually built his wealth through consistent work in television and film.
Real Estate and Assets
Over the years, William Shatner has invested in real estate, which has become part of his overall wealth portfolio. His primary residence is a four-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Studio City, California, spanning over 4,000 square feet.
He also owns an 18-acre ranch in Three Rivers, California, which he purchased in 1979. These properties have appreciated over time and contribute significantly to his net worth.
Career Achievements and Recognition
William Shatner’s career has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983 and another on Canada’s Walk of Fame, honoring his contributions to entertainment.
His role in Boston Legal earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, proving that his talent extended far beyond his most famous role. At age 90, he also became the oldest person to fly to space aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Shatner’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, William Shatner’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million, making him one of the wealthiest actors from the original Star Trek series.
How much does William Shatner make from Star Trek reruns?
He makes no money from Star Trek reruns. The residual fee agreements were negotiated after the show was canceled, so he did not benefit from the syndication of the original series.
Did William Shatner make $600 million from Priceline?
No, this is a widely circulated myth. While he was compensated with stock options for his work as the Priceline Negotiator, the value never reached the rumored $600 million figure.
What are William Shatner’s main income sources?
His wealth comes from multiple sources including his acting career in television and film, lucrative convention appearances, book sales, music recordings, and real estate investments.
How old is William Shatner?
Born on March 22, 1931, William Shatner is 94 years old as of 2025, and he continues to remain active in the entertainment industry.
How much does William Shatner charge for convention appearances?
He typically charges $10,000 for travel expenses plus $10,000 per hour, with a minimum booking of five hours, making convention appearances a significant income source.
Did William Shatner win any Emmy Awards?
Yes, he won two Emmy Awards for his role as the eccentric lawyer Denny Crane on the television series Boston Legal, along with a Golden Globe Award.
What was William Shatner’s salary per Star Trek episode?
During the original series, his salary started at $2,500 per episode and increased to $5,000 per episode, which was considered good pay for television at that time.
