William Shatner, renowned for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, has led a personal life as eventful as his career. Over the years, he has been married four times, each relationship contributing to the tapestry of his life. Let’s delve into the details of his marriages and the women who have been part of his journey.
Gloria Rand (Married 1956–1969)
Shatner’s first marriage was to Canadian actress Gloria Rand. The couple met on the set of a television play titled Dreams, which Shatner had written. They married in 1956 and had three daughters: Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie. Despite Shatner’s burgeoning career, which included the rise of Star Trek, the marriage faced challenges. Shatner later reflected on their relationship, acknowledging that his dedication to work and the resulting absences strained their bond. They divorced in 1969.
Marcy Lafferty (Married 1973–1996)
In 1973, Shatner married actress Marcy Lafferty, daughter of television producer Perry Lafferty. The two met while working on the television adaptation of The Anderson Trial. Lafferty appeared alongside Shatner in several projects, including Star Trek: The Motion Picture and the series T.J. Hooker. Their marriage lasted over two decades but ended in divorce in 1996.
Nerine Kidd (Married 1997–1999)
Shatner’s third marriage was to actress Nerine Kidd in 1997. Tragically, their union was short-lived. In 1999, Kidd was found dead in the swimming pool of their Los Angeles home. The coroner’s report indicated that she had alcohol and Valium in her system, and her death was ruled accidental. Shatner was deeply affected by her passing, later establishing the Nerine Shatner Friendly House, a recovery center for women battling addiction, in her memory.
Elizabeth Anderson Martin (Married 2001–2020)
In 2001, Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin, a horse trainer and photographer. The couple shared a passion for horses and philanthropy, often appearing together at equestrian events and charitable functions. After 18 years of marriage, they divorced in 2020. Despite their separation, reports in 2023 suggested that they had rekindled their relationship, with Shatner mentioning that they were living together again.
Reflections on Love and Life
Throughout his life, Shatner has experienced the highs and lows of love. In interviews, he has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal relationships. His experiences have shaped his perspectives, leading him to value companionship and understanding. As of now, while not officially married, Shatner’s renewed connection with Elizabeth Anderson Martin suggests that love remains a significant part of his life.
Conclusion
William Shatner’s marital history reflects a journey filled with love, loss, and resilience. Each relationship has left an indelible mark on his life, contributing to the depth and complexity of the man behind the iconic roles. As he continues to engage with fans and pursue his passions, Shatner’s personal experiences enrich his legacy, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of love and commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions: William Shatner’s Marriages – A Comprehensive Look at His Wives and Love Life
Q: How many times has William Shatner been married?
A: William Shatner has been married four times.
Q: Who was William Shatner’s first wife?
A: His first wife was Canadian actress Gloria Rand. They were married from 1956 to 1969 and had three daughters together.
Q: Who was William Shatner’s second wife?
A: His second wife was actress Marcy Lafferty, daughter of producer Perry Lafferty. They were married from 1973 to 1996.
Q: Who was William Shatner’s third wife?
A: His third wife was Nerine Kidd, whom he married in 1997. Sadly, she passed away in 1999 in a tragic accident.
Q: Did William Shatner remarry after Nerine Kidd’s death?
A: Yes, he married Elizabeth Anderson Martin in 2001. They were together for 18 years before divorcing in 2020.
Q: Is William Shatner currently married?
A: As of 2025, Shatner is not officially remarried, but reports suggest he and his ex-wife Elizabeth Martin have rekindled their relationship and are living together again.
Q: Did William Shatner have any children?
A: Yes, he has three daughters—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie—with his first wife, Gloria Rand.
Q: What caused the end of William Shatner’s marriages?
A: Reasons varied: career pressures contributed to his first divorce, irreconcilable differences to his second, and tragedy ended his third. His fourth marriage ended amicably after years together.
Q: Has William Shatner spoken publicly about his marriages?
A: Yes, he has discussed his marriages in interviews, often reflecting on lessons learned and the importance of companionship.
Q: What charitable work has he done related to his marriages?
A: After Nerine Kidd’s death, Shatner founded the Nerine Shatner Friendly House to support women recovering from addiction, honoring her memory.
How many times did Shatner marry?
William Shatner has been married four times throughout his life. His first marriage was to actress Gloria Rand in 1956, with whom he had three daughters before divorcing in 1969. He then married Marcy Lafferty in 1973, and the couple remained together for over two decades before their divorce in 1996. His third marriage, to actress Nerine Kidd in 1997, ended tragically with her death in 1999. In 2001, Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin, a horse trainer and photographer, and their marriage lasted until 2020. Despite their divorce, reports in recent years suggest the two may have rekindled their relationship.
What happened to William Shatner’s wife in the pool?
On August 9, 1999, William Shatner’s third wife, Nerine Kidd, tragically drowned in the swimming pool of their Studio City home. Shatner discovered her lifeless body at the bottom of the pool upon returning home around 10 p.m. Despite his immediate attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy revealed that Kidd had a blood alcohol level of 0.27%, more than three times the legal limit for driving in California, and traces of Valium in her system. The report indicated that she likely dove into the pool, struck her head on the bottom, and lost consciousness, leading to her accidental drowning. The coroner’s official cause of death was listed as “drowning associated with neck trauma.”
Kidd had a history of struggling with alcoholism, including two prior DUI convictions and multiple attempts at rehabilitation. At the time of her death, she was alone at home, and authorities found no evidence of foul play. Shatner was deeply affected by her passing, later establishing the Nerine Shatner Friendly House, a recovery center for women battling addiction, in her memory.
How many biological children does William Shatner have?
Is William Shatner a billionaire?
No, William Shatner is not a billionaire. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $100 million . This substantial wealth stems from his extensive career in entertainment, including his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, as well as his work in television series like T.J. Hooker and Boston Legal. Additionally, Shatner has earned income through book publishing, music albums, and appearances at fan conventions, where he reportedly charges $10,000 per hour with a five-hour minimum .
There have been rumors suggesting that Shatner earned $600 million from his association with Priceline.com, where he served as a spokesperson. However, Shatner has publicly denied these claims, clarifying that while he did receive stock options, he did not amass such a fortune from them . Therefore, while Shatner is undeniably wealthy, he does not hold billionaire status.