LOS ANGELES— Actor William Shatner has revealed that he and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, underwent separate battles with stage 4 cancer during the same period, sharing for the first time details of diagnoses that they said ultimately strengthened their family bond and inspired new public advocacy.
In an interview published this week, the 95-year-old "Star Trek" actor said he was diagnosed in June 2023 with stage 4 malignant melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain. His daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, 61, said she had previously been diagnosed with HER2-positive stage 4 breast cancer in 2022 after discovering a lump that later spread to her chest lymph nodes.
Both said they are now cancer-free following extensive treatment.
Gretsch said her treatment included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and radiation therapy. Shatner said his illness was treated with surgery and immunotherapy after doctors determined the melanoma had metastasized. They credited their recoveries to medical care, family support and advances in cancer treatment.
Speaking about their experience, Shatner described remaining focused on daily life and maintaining an active schedule during treatment. Gretsch recalled relying on her father for emotional support throughout her illness, while Shatner said helping his daughter became a central priority even as he faced his own diagnosis.
The father and daughter said they chose to discuss their diagnoses publicly now to encourage greater awareness of cancer detection and survivorship. They also announced they will co-host a podcast, "No Time but Now," featuring conversations with physicians, researchers and cancer survivors about health, resilience and life after diagnosis.
Shatner, best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the original "Star Trek" television series, has remained active in film, television, writing and public appearances throughout his career. Gretsch, an actress and producer, is the youngest of Shatner's three daughters with his late first wife, Gloria Rand.
According to the family, both completed treatment by late 2024 and have since shown no evidence of active disease. They said their focus is now on raising awareness about cancer care and encouraging people to seek prompt medical evaluation when symptoms arise, while continuing with their respective professional projects.
