William Shatner: The Captain Of Family Life Beyond Star Trek

When you think of William Shatner, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Captain James T. Kirk from Star Trek. For over 40 years, from 1966 to 2007, Shatner's portrayal of the fearless captain has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. But beyond the galaxy and the glitz of Hollywood, there’s another side to this iconic actor—a proud father who cherishes his role as a dad above all else. William is the father of three remarkable children: Leslie Shatner, Lisabeth Shatner, and Melanie Shatner.

First Stop: A Journey into Fatherhood

Long before he was commanding the USS Enterprise, William was navigating the challenges of fatherhood with his first wife, Gloria Rand. Their marriage, which lasted from 1956 to 1969, brought them three beautiful daughters. Leslie, the eldest, was born in 1958, followed by Lisabeth in 1961, and Melanie in 1964. Gloria and William's journey together as parents was a defining chapter in their lives, even as their marriage eventually came to an end.

Love and Loss: William's Marital Adventures

After his divorce from Gloria, William embarked on a series of relationships, each adding layers to his personal story. He found love again with Marcy Lafferty, and they spent 13 years together before parting ways in 1996. The next chapter saw him marrying Artificial Paradise actress Nerine Kidd in 1997, but tragically, she passed away just two years later in 1999. In 2001, William tied the knot with Elizabeth Shatner, a relationship that lasted nearly two decades until their split in 2019. Despite these unions, William chose not to expand his family further, focusing instead on his career and nurturing his relationship with his daughters.

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A Hands-On Dad Despite the Odds

While juggling a high-profile career in Hollywood and the complexities of love, William remained steadfast in his commitment to his children. Despite the demands of his profession, which often kept him away from home, he made it a point to be there for his daughters in whatever ways he could. "I am gratified that my kids think that they are who they are today because of my influence on them and my sense of being there for them—although it was only at weekends," he revealed in a heartfelt interview with The Guardian in 2014. "But the fact that I was there for them they tell me was important." It’s clear that William’s dedication to his family has always been a priority, even amidst the chaos of fame.

Proud Papa: Celebrating His Daughters' Success

William's pride in his daughters extends beyond their personal lives into their professional achievements. Not only have they carved out successful careers of their own, but they’ve also excelled as mothers, raising wonderful families. "They have turned out to be three of the greatest mothers," William beams with pride. "I’m always worried about whether I’ve done a good job as a parent. They have brought their family up in the way I wish I’d brought them up. So something good must have happened!" It’s evident that William sees his daughters' successes as a reflection of his own parenting efforts, even if he felt he could have done more.

The Joys of Grandfatherhood

Now that his daughters are all grown up and thriving, William finds immense joy in being a grandfather. "Being a grandparent is the greatest joy for me," he shares with a smile. "I have the time now to grab a grandchild and talk, and hug and kiss them and make sure that I’m taking time to be with them and to give them some aspect of the things I’ve learned. Family life is totally encompassing." William’s journey from a busy actor to a doting grandfather showcases the depth of his love and commitment to his family.

Keep scrolling to get to know William’s three incredible kids and the legacy he’s built both on-screen and off!