William Shatner, the iconic Star Trek actor, has reportedly undergone shoulder surgery to repair a significant injury sustained after falling from his horse late last year. The 94-year-old, who turns 95 later this month, described the procedure as a "new type of shoulder operation called a reverse something or other" ahead of its scheduling for Wednesday, March 11.
Shatner Details Injury at Saturn Awards
Speaking at the 53rd annual Saturn Awards in Burbank, California, Shatner explained the mechanics of the surgery to Page Six, stating, "You put the ball in the socket and the socket in the thing, and you come out 10 hours later, and you're pain-free. So that's what I am meandering towards." While accepting the Hall of Fame award for his work in the Star Trek franchise, he admitted to feeling "old, tired and kind of hurt" and addressed the horseback-riding incident directly.
Not a Young Stuntman Anymore
The actor, best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk, elaborated on the fall, saying, "I ride the horses that can compete in equine skills, which is fast down and ends on a sliding stop—and the horse that I owned, I came off." He noted that his horse "had a habit of going too far, like six inches to the side," leading to the accident. Shatner acknowledged his limitations, stating, "I'm not a young stuntman anymore. I started to roll, but hit the dirt with my shoulder. So I wrecked my shoulder."
The Independent has reached out to Shatner's representative for further comment on his condition and recovery process.
Previous Health Scare in September 2025
This injury follows another health incident months earlier, when Shatner was hospitalized in September 2025 after experiencing issues with his blood sugar levels at his Los Angeles home. According to a source speaking to TMZ, Shatner called emergency services, and a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance arrived as a precaution. He was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, with the source indicating he was resting comfortably.
Shatner later addressed the situation on social media, writing on X, "I overindulged. I thank you all for caring, but I'm perfectly fine. I keep telling you all: don't trust tabloids or AI!" He clarified that reports were "greatly exaggerated," downplaying the severity of the episode.
Surviving Stage 4 Melanoma
Beyond these recent events, Shatner has faced serious health challenges in the past. He previously revealed a diagnosis of stage 4 melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. At a 2024 keynote presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, he recounted, "I went and had [the lump] taken out. It was melanoma, stage 4. I said, 'Stage 4?' And someone in the room said, 'Sorry.'"
He described the moment as somber, with implications of a dire prognosis: "It was like, 'Better pack your things.' That person who said 'sorry,' that was very sad, like you are going to die. And I was. They said if this [treatment] they used did not work, I had about 5 months." Fortunately, Shatner successfully underwent treatment and is currently in remission, showcasing his resilience.
Legendary Career and Legacy
Shatner is celebrated for originating the role of Captain Kirk in the Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. The Canadian actor later reprised the character in the animated series and the first seven Star Trek films, including 1989's Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. His diverse career includes roles such as a beauty pageant MC in the 2000 comedy Miss Congeniality and the title character in the 1980s police drama TJ Hooker.
He has also appeared in legal dramas like The Practice and its spin-off, Boston Legal, cementing his status as a versatile and enduring figure in entertainment. As he recovers from his shoulder surgery, fans worldwide continue to support the beloved actor through his health journey.
