William Shatner is a cultural icon. Best known for his portrayal of the fearless Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, Shatner embodies charisma and leadership on-screen. With a career spanning over seven decades, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment world through acting, directing, and writing. But beyond his talent and unforgettable presence, fans have long had a surprising question about him—just how tall is William Shatner?
It’s a topic of avid discussion, particularly when comparing his height to his Star Trek co-stars like Leonard Nimoy. Was he as tall as he appeared on-screen, or was a bit of Hollywood magic involved? This blog will take a closer look at Shatner’s height through his prime, current stature, and what it meant in the context of his illustrious career.
Who is William Shatner?
Before we measure up William Shatner’s height, it’s important to understand the scope of his accomplishments. Born in 1931 in Montreal, Canada, Shatner’s career skyrocketed with Star Trek in the late 1960s. While he became synonymous with Captain Kirk, his legacy extends far beyond the starship Enterprise.
Key Career Highlights
- Actor Beyond Star Trek: Shatner starred in television dramas like T.J. Hooker and Boston Legal, where he delivered Emmy-winning performances as lawyer Denny Crane.
- Global Fame: He has achieved accolades in Canada and Hollywood, with a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Canada’s Walk of Fame.
- Record-breaking Venture into Space: At age 90, Shatner became the oldest person to fly to space through Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin mission.
Shatner’s multi-faceted career has made him an enduring presence in pop culture. Yet among his accolades, the question of his height remains strangely pervasive.
How Tall is William Shatner?
Peak Height
During his prime years, most sources agree that Shatner stood at 5’9″ (175.3 cm). This height places him slightly above average for men of his generation and allowed him to command the screen with a confident physical presence.
Current Height
At 92 years old, Shatner is subject to the natural loss of height that comes with aging. It’s reported that his current height is closer to 5’7″ (170.2 cm). This mild decrease in height is typical for individuals in advanced age due to factors like spinal compression.
Conflicting Reports
Despite being widely recognized as 5’9” in his youth, other reports have alternately claimed he was 5’10” or even 5’11”. Part of this discrepancy stems from anecdotes stating he wore shoe lifts during Star Trek. An Italian shoemaker, DiFabrizio, once revealed that he created lifts for Shatner that “added three inches,” giving him an authoritative stature on-screen.
Comparisons with Star Trek Co-stars
One of the most fascinating aspects of Shatner’s height is comparing it to his co-stars, particularly Leonard Nimoy, who stood at a striking 6 feet (183 cm).
On-screen, the height difference between Captain Kirk and Spock was minimized. Producers reportedly required Shatner to wear lifts during Star Trek’s filming to create a visual balance between the two leads.
According to Bob Justman, a co-producer of the show, lifts were an “open secret” and often lightheartedly joked about during production. For example, when Nimoy and Shatner shared scenes, the camera angles and lifts kept their characters’ physical dynamics even.
Did William Shatner Wear Shoe Lifts?
Hollywood is no stranger to shoe lifts, especially when portraying heroic roles. It’s not surprising that Shatner’s rumored use of lifts has fueled fan debates over the years.
Reliable Sources
Costume designers and co-stars have remarked that lifts were indeed part of Shatner’s wardrobe during Star Trek. DiFabrizio’s claim that he made Shatner “three inches taller” strongly supports these speculations.
Why Use Lifts?
The decision to enhance Shatner’s height wasn’t due to vanity but to maintain a sense of presence. A captain of a starship, especially one as bold and decisive as James T. Kirk, needed to project strong and commanding energy—both through his personality and appearance.
Anecdotes and Humor
Shatner himself seemed to lean into the rumors with good humor, aware that his bold screen presence extended beyond mere inches.
Beyond the Numbers – William Shatner’s Legacy
While height has been a distinct part of the public curiosity surrounding William Shatner, it’s simply one aspect of his larger-than-life persona. Shatner’s undeniable charisma, commanding voice, and ability to encapsulate a leadership figure have always stood taller than any physical measurement.
More than Captain Kirk
Shatner’s talent has shown through time and again, whether in his comedic turns, legal dramas, or character voiceovers. His ability to adapt through decades of changing entertainment cultures shows that his strength lies well beyond his stature.
An Icon Who Transcends
Few actors achieve the kind of longevity and widespread appeal that Shatner boasts. Whether he’s venturing into space at age 90 or serenading audiences on Better Late Than Never, Shatner’s enduring energy and passion for performance are clear.
Reflecting on an Enigmatic Star
Ultimately, whether William Shatner was 5’9″ or a shorter version of that height with lifts holds little significance in the grand scale of his legacy. His accomplishments, from Star Trek to his Emmy wins and real-life adventures, cement him as an enduring cultural icon.
What’s your favorite William Shatner role or memory? Share it in the comments below or explore his life’s work to appreciate the legend who boldly went where no man (or captain) had gone before.
FAQs
How many biological children does William Shatner have?
He has three daughters from his first marriage to Gloria Rand—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie.
What is the origin of William Shatner’s last name?
His family’s surname was originally “Schattner” before being anglicized.
What is William Shatner’s net worth?
Shatner’s estimated net worth is approximately $100 million as of 2024.
Is William Shatner the first actor to go to space?
No, but he is the oldest person to travel to space following his historic flight on Blue Origin at age 90.
