William Shatner reveals he and daughter secretly battled cancer together
The Star Trek legend and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, have revealed they were both diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer within a year of each other and are now using their experience to launch a podcast focused on health and survival.
William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch were fighting separate Stage 4 cancer diagnoses at the same time.
The Star Trek actor, 95, and Melanie, 61, have now used joint interview to share how they supported one another through treatment before both becoming cancer-free.
William told People in a new cover story chat their experience has inspired a new podcast focused on health, resilience and surviving serious illness.
And Melanie revealed she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2022 after discovering a lump, while William learned a year later that he had Stage 4 melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain.
Recalling the emotional toll of the diagnoses, Melanie told People: “I remember vividly thinking, ‘I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time’.”
Melanie said she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy alongside HER2-targeted therapies, a double mastectomy and 30 rounds of radiation treatment over the following 18 months.
While Melanie was nearing the end of her treatment, William said he noticed a lump on his cheek that proved to be a growing tumour.
The actor underwent surgery to remove it before receiving two years of immunotherapy after doctors found the cancer had spread to his lungs and brain.
He said: “We got the perfect doctors for her cancer and my cancer.”
Melanie added her father continued working throughout his treatment.
She said “he wouldn’t stop his life”, adding her dad “kept working and moving forward”.
Melanie also explained she and her husband, actor Joel Gretsch, regularly spent time with William while he recovered.
She said: “Whenever he was home, Joel and I would bring dinner to him and watch movies, just always made sure that he’s not alone.”
Melanie also revealed William insisted on covering the cost of her treatment to remove any financial pressure.
She recalled him telling her: “I do not want you to worry. Just send me the bills.”
Looking back, Melanie said one of her father’s jokes helped lift her spirits during recovery.
She added: “Then you made me laugh so hard when I was still going to the doctor a year later. “You said, ‘You’ve got to get well. We’re going to be in the poorhouse!’”
Now cancer-free, William and Melanie are launching a new podcast, No Time but Now, in which they will speak with health experts and fellow cancer survivors.
Reflecting on the experience, William told People: “It’s easy for us in this lovely home to say, ‘Make your life meaningful’.
“It’s much more difficult to be poverty-stricken and wonder how you’re going to get through it. I’ve been there. But it’s also possible to endure that and be aware of the beauty around you.”
Melanie said: “(Overcoming cancer) changed my life. I’m not so afraid anymore, and there’s so much freedom and joy.”
Earlier this month, William also told TV Insider growing older had made him increasingly aware of his own mortality.
He said: “I’m always asking questions, because the older I get, the more fearful I will be to die with a question on my mind, like, ‘What about…’.
“What’s the meaning of life?! Damn; the meaning of life is – and boom! I’m dead! It’s the fear of not knowing what you could have learned. I get excited by comprehending and apprehending information.”
Speaking separately to Hello! magazine, William said his greatest motivation was simply “not to die”.
He added: “I want to stay healthy and functioning, and I’d like to pass away in my sleep because…I have people I love, my family, my dogs.”
The actor, whose portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek made him one of television’s most recognisable figures, has remained active in recent years, continuing to appear on screen and in public while also making headlines this month after speaking candidly about his fears surrounding death. William also attracted global attention in 2021 when he became the oldest person to travel into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin flight.
