William Shatner Celebrates 95th Birthday and Says He’s Still Smokin
William Shatner recently marked a major milestone as he celebrated his 95th birthday on Sunday, March 22. The legendary Canadian actor took to social media to prove that age has not slowed him down, jokingly telling his fans that he is “still smokin’” in a playful post.
He shared a collage featuring two images: one where he is seen smiling warmly and another where he is relaxing with a cigar. Alongside the photos, the Star Trek icon offered some blunt wisdom he has picked up over nearly a century of life. “I’ve learned two things: Never waste a good cigar.
Never trust anyone who says you should ‘act your age,’” he shared with his followers. This spirited attitude toward aging has become a hallmark of his public persona in recent years.
Shatner is most famous for his career-defining turn as Captain James T. Kirk, a role he originated in 1966. He commanded the starship Enterprise for decades, appearing in the original television series and seven feature films before his character’s journey concluded in 1994.
Beyond his adventures in space, he also earned critical acclaim for his roles in T.J. Hooker and his Emmy-winning performance as Denny Crane in Boston Legal. The actor has often reflected on how lucky he feels to have reached such an advanced age while surrounded by people he loves.
In late 2025, he mentioned feeling “blessed beyond measure with [health], family, and a beautiful gathering.” He shares three adult daughters—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie—with his first wife, Gloria Rand, and has recently spoken about his pride in their personal and professional accomplishments.
One of his most enduring traditions is dedicating his birthday season to his long-running charitable efforts. For thirty-five years, he has hosted the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which has raised millions of dollars for various children’s and veterans’ organizations.
“For the last many years, I have celebrated my birthday by working on a very successful charity,” he previously told reporters when discussing his annual goals. As he begins his 96th year, Shatner shows no signs of entering a quiet retirement.
He is currently preparing for his convention tour, which includes high-profile appearances at Planet Comicon in Kansas City and Steel City Con in April. He is also scheduled to travel to England in May to meet fans at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool, where he will join a star-studded lineup of science fiction icons.
The veteran performer continues to stay involved in the production side of the industry through his documentary work and hosting duties on The UnXplained. He recently underwent a successful shoulder operation to repair an injury from a horse-riding incident, updating fans that he was feeling much better and was ready to get back to work.
Fans can look forward to seeing him participate in a special fan club event and charity dinner on May 30 in Burbank, California. This intimate gathering will allow supporters to interact with the actor in a more personal setting while continuing to support his philanthropic mission.
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