William Shatner, the 95-year-old Star Trek legend, and his daughter Melanie have revealed they were both diagnosed with stage 4 cancer three years ago. The pair leaned on each other for support and are now cancer-free.
Mutual Support Through Diagnosis
Speaking to People, Melanie recalled telling Shatner about her diagnosis. 'I was having a moment and was hysterical. I called you and said, “I think I’m dying.”' Shatner rushed to her house to give her a 'huge daddy bear hug' and told her, 'I do not want you to worry. Just send me the bills.' Melanie added, 'Then you made me laugh so hard when I was still going to the doctor a year later. You said, “You’ve got to get well. We’re going to be in the poorhouse!”'
Separate Cancer Diagnoses
In June 2023, Shatner was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma that had spread to his brain. Melanie was fighting HER2-positive breast cancer that had spread to lymph nodes in her chest. Melanie, who lost her mother actress Gloria Rand in 2017, said, 'I remember vividly thinking, “I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time.”' Shatner remained 'unshakable' and promised her that the 'universe is taking care of me.'
Treatment and Recovery
Melanie underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy with HER2-targeted therapies, a double mastectomy, and 30 radiation therapy treatments over more than a year. During her recovery, she spotted a lump in her father's cheek. Initially dismissed as a blocked saliva gland, a plastic surgeon friend confirmed it was a tumor. Shatner had surgery to remove the lump, followed by two years of immunotherapy targeting the cancer in his lungs and brain.
In late 2024, both Shatners were told they were cancer-free. Melanie said, 'It was the third time in my life I had heard him cry' when she called to share the news.
Continuing to Thrive
Despite his diagnosis, Shatner continued working. He relaunched his career as a heavy metal front man. In late 2024, he was rushed to hospital after a 'medical emergency' involving his blood sugar, but reassured fans on Instagram: 'Rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I overindulged. I thank you all for caring but I’m perfectly fine.'
Shatner, who traveled to space with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin in 2021, remains active. Melanie said, 'He wouldn’t stop his life. He kept working and moving forward. Whenever he was home, Joel and I would bring dinner to him and watch movies, just always made sure that he’s not alone.'
