William Shatner celebrated his 94th birthday on March 22, 2025, in a time-honored fashion that combines personal reflection with charity work. The renowned actor, best known for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the iconic Star Trek series, has dedicated this special day for the past 35 years to supporting The Hollywood Charity Horse Show, an event that has raised millions for children and veterans alike.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Shatner expressed, “For the last many years, I have celebrated my birthday by working on a very successful charity called The Hollywood Charity Horse Show. We have been doing it for 35 years and raised millions of dollars for children and veterans.” This commitment underscores the deep connection he feels towards philanthropy, a journey that began in 1990 after he witnessed handicapped children benefiting from therapeutic horseback riding.
On this milestone birthday, Shatner also planned to immerse himself in family festivities. “My family is taking me to Las Vegas for dinner and a show, and then back to Los Angeles,” he shared, looking forward to the occasion with excitement. “It’s going to be a family experience in that wonderful, entertaining city. I’m really looking forward to it.” This combination of celebration and charity illustrates Shatner's enduring spirit and dedication to giving back.
The Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which Shatner founded, has become a beloved annual event where world-class reining horses and riders compete, with the proceeds aiding various charitable causes. The charity remarked on their website how deeply affected Shatner was when he began this endeavor, stating, “You can’t watch these kids without knowing you have to help, somehow.” His annual commitment brings together top reining horses and riders in breathtaking performances, and highlights the impact of the event, both for participants and beneficiaries.
Despite his ongoing charitable efforts, Shatner has not slowed down in his artistic pursuits. Following an illustrious career in acting, he remains active and engaged in the industry, even recently appearing in projects as late as 2024. Last year, Shatner commemorated his 93rd birthday by attending the premiere of his own documentary, You Can Call Me Bill, which delves into his storied life and career. “It’s a documentary about me, and I’m expected to help sell it by going out and talking about me, and I don’t like to talk about me,” he explained in a candid moment, reflecting on his experience promoting the film.
The documentary, which is currently available on Apple TV, provides an intimate look at Shatner's journey from Star Trek icon to real-life astronaut, solidifying his remarkable career. In his own words, he stated, “I’ve turned down a lot of offers to do documentaries before. But I don’t have long to live. Whether I keel over as I’m speaking to you or ten years from now, my time is limited, so that’s very much a factor.” This sentiment reveals a striking awareness of his own mortality—he has openly acknowledged that he “doesn't have long left to live,” found in his reflections over the past year.
Shatner’s perspective on life and aging is insightful. He once shared, “Don’t die. That’s it; that’s the secret. Simply keep living and try not to slow down,” which aligns with the philosophy that he credits for maintaining his vitality. He believes that staying engaged and curious in life is crucial for longevity. His healthy mindset has even drawn attention from fans and colleagues alike; on social media, he recently shared his gratitude, writing, “As I begin my 95th journey around the sun today, I want to take a minute to thank everyone for the birthday wishes! I am overwhelmed at the amount of love I have received. My best, Bill.”
Celebrities from across the spectrum also took to social media to honor him on his special day. For instance, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tweeted out, “Happy Birthday William Shatner. Today, completing 94 trips around the Sun. Congratulations on your 55-billion mile journey.” Such messages reflect the goodwill Shatner has garnered throughout his career, extending beyond just entertainment to influence many.
In addition to his birthday celebrations and charity work, Shatner is known for sharing his life philosophy and experiences candidly. He believes that health is essential for energy and vitality. “Your life’s energy, the soul energy of your body is a product of health,” he has stated, reinforcing the strong connection he sees between physical well-being and overall life enjoyment.
As he turns 94, William Shatner continues to embody resilience and passion, remaining an active participant in entertainment and philanthropy. His birthday tradition serves not only as a moment to celebrate his life but as an important reminder of the value of giving back to the community. The legacy he cultivates through charity reinforces a message of hope and generosity, encouraging others to engage in acts of kindness and support for those in need.
