In a truly remarkable philanthropic gesture that captured global attention, renowned actor William Shatner achieved an unusual world record by selling his own kidney stone for a substantial sum, with all proceeds directed toward charitable housing initiatives.
An Unprecedented Charitable Auction
Back in January 2006, the Canadian-born Star Trek icon made headlines when he decided to auction a personal medical specimen through the online platform GoldenPalace.com. The item in question was a kidney stone that Shatner had passed the previous year, which fetched an astonishing $25,000, equivalent to approximately £18,000 at the time.
Supporting Affordable Housing Projects
The entire substantial amount generated from this highly unconventional sale was generously donated to Habitat for Humanity, an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to constructing affordable housing for low-income families. In a subsequent interview, Shatner elaborated on the impact of his donation, revealing that the funds contributed directly to building a home in New Orleans, which subsequently housed a family of five.
The Story Behind the Sale
Recounting the unexpected chain of events, Shatner explained that merely two days after experiencing the kidney stone, he received an unexpected telephone call from a Canadian gambling casino expressing interest in purchasing the specimen. This led to the historic auction that ultimately supported a cause close to the actor's heart.
Additional Memorabilia Sales
Notably, the kidney stone was not the only item Shatner auctioned for charitable purposes. The celebrated actor also sold his iconic Star Trek tunics for over $100,000 (around £73,000), with these unique pieces joining the casino's growing collection of celebrity-related curiosities, which included other unusual items like food resembling guitarist Pete Townshend.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Achievements
William Shatner, now 94 years old, first rose to prominence portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the legendary Star Trek television series from 1966 to 1969, establishing a seven-decade career that solidified his status as a household name. His kidney stone sale represents just one of several extraordinary records associated with the actor.
Historic Space Mission
In 2021, Shatner embarked on another groundbreaking journey by flying to space aboard the Blue Origin NS-18 as part of a sub-orbital mission. At 90 years old, this made him the oldest person to fly in space, securing another world record, although this was later surpassed by Ed Dwight, who was 48 days older at the time of his own spaceflight.
The mission, famously funded by Jeff Bezos, lasted approximately ten minutes, during which Shatner reported experiencing profound reflections on the fragility of life on Earth. These diverse achievements highlight an extraordinary career marked by both professional accomplishments and unique philanthropic endeavours that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
