William Shatner, 95, and his daughter Melanie have revealed they were both diagnosed with stage 4 cancer three years ago. The Star Trek legend and his daughter supported each other through treatment and are now cancer-free.
Diagnosis and support
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 and gave her a 'huge daddy bear hug'. He 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!”'
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 lose my father at the same time.”' Shatner was '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 noticed a lump in her father's cheek. Initially told it was a blocked saliva gland, Shatner got a second opinion from a plastic surgeon friend who confirmed it was a tumour. He had surgery to remove the lump, followed by two years of immunotherapy for cancer in his lungs and brain.
In late 2024, both 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. Shatner has since relaunched his career as a heavy metal front man.
Recent health scare
Shatner was hospitalised towards the end of last year after a 'medical emergency' involving his blood sugar, but reassured fans he had only 'overindulged' over the holidays. He wrote on Instagram: 'Rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. I overindulged. I thank you all for caring but I’m perfectly fine.'
