William Shatner and daughter reveal they both beat stage 4 cancer

William Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch have both overcome stage 4 cancer after being diagnosed within a year of each other. The 95-year-old Star Trek actor and his 61-year-old daughter shared their story with People magazine, revealing that they are now cancer-free since late 2024.

The double diagnosis

Melanie was first diagnosed with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in July 2022 after finding a lump. She underwent chemotherapy, targeted therapy, a double mastectomy, and 30 radiation sessions. A year later, in June 2023, William Shatner was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain. He had surgery and two years of immunotherapy.

• Both were diagnosed at stage 4, a typically advanced and hard-to-treat stage of cancer. Source: Infobae
• Melanie said, “I vividly remember thinking: ‘I don't have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time.’” Source: Infobae

Support and recovery

Throughout their treatments, they supported each other. Shatner helped with medical bills and emotional support, while Melanie ensured he was never alone. Shatner credits his positive outlook: “Even now, I don't think I'm going to die.” Source: Elespanol They will launch a podcast, No Time Play Now, to share their experience and help others.