HEALTH FEARS

William Shatner Undergoes Shoulder Surgery After Riding Accident Ahead of 95th Birthday

THE legendary Star Trek actor, who turns 95 later this month, spoke about the procedure while attending the 53rd annual Saturn Awards in Burbank, where he received a Hall of Fame honour for his longtime impact on the franchise.

Key Points

  • Sustained shoulder injury in an equestrian fall; underwent a newer mobility‑restoring shoulder procedure.
  • Accepted Saturn Awards Hall of Fame honor while publicly discussing his recovery and health.
  • Briefly hospitalized previously for blood sugar; also a stage‑4 melanoma survivor who reassured fans.
PublishedMarch 13, 2026 6:10 PM
UpdatedMarch 13, 2026 6:10 PM

WILLIAM Shatner is recovering after shoulder surgery following a riding accident late last year.

The legendary Star Trek actor, who turns 95 later this month, spoke about the procedure while attending the 53rd annual Saturn Awards in Burbank, where he received a Hall of Fame honour for his longtime impact on the franchise.

Shatner said the injury happened after he fell from a horse while competing in equine skills riding. He described the operation as a newer type of shoulder procedure meant to help restore movement and ease pain, according to Radar Online.

The actor has recently faced public concern about his health, including a brief hospitalisation in September 2025 related to blood sugar levels. At the time, Shatner reassured fans that he was fine and urged people not to believe every report.

Shatner has also previously opened up about surviving stage 4 melanoma, sharing that treatment was successful.

Best known for playing Captain James T. Kirk, he remains one of the most enduring figures in science fiction and was celebrated at the Saturn Awards for his decades of work in entertainment.