Shatner and Daughter Reveal Cancer Journey and New Podcast
Veteran actor William Shatner, 95, and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch, 61, have each faced a life‑threatening cancer diagnosis in recent years, but both are now cancer‑free after intensive treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Melanie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. She endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and 30 radiation sessions, describing the chemotherapy as physically demanding and the radiation as emotionally taxing.
During her own final treatment, Melanie noticed a bump on her father’s cheek, prompting a closer look at his health. William was then diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor followed by two years of immunotherapy, a regimen that Dr. Omid Hamid says was far more aggressive than the standard six‑to‑eight‑month survival outlook that existed two decades ago.
Medical professionals involved in their care, including Dr. Carlie Thompson, credit “groundbreaking” therapies for helping eradicate both cancers.
Launch of ‘No Time but Now’ Podcast
The father‑daughter duo recently announced a new weekly podcast titled “No Time but Now,” where they interview fellow cancer survivors and health experts, sharing stories of resilience and insight.
Refuting Health Rumors
Earlier this year, false reports circulated online claiming that Shatner was dying from stage 4 brain cancer. The actor addressed the rumors on social media, noting that the stories were generated by AI and used to monetize traffic. He urged followers to rely only on his verified social media channels for health updates.
In a 2022 interview, Shatner reflected on the inevitability of death, saying that as he ages, thoughts of mortality become more present. That perspective influenced his farewell to Captain James T. Kirk in the 1994 film *Star Trek: Generations*, where he imagined the character confronting death with awe rather than fear.
Looking Forward
Both Shatner and Gretsch say their experiences have reshaped their outlook on life. Gretsch reports feeling less fear and more freedom, while Shatner speaks of gratitude for simple joys—a hummingbird’s flight, his dog playing ball, and time with his children.
