William Shatner, the 95-year-old Star Trek icon, and his youngest daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch, 61, have revealed they were both diagnosed with stage 4 cancer within months of each other. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the father-daughter duo shared their harrowing journey, now emerging cancer-free after intensive treatment and mutual support.
Melanie's Diagnosis and Treatment
The ordeal began in 2022 when Melanie discovered a small lump beneath her breast in the middle of the night. Despite a clear mammogram just five months earlier, further testing revealed HER2-positive breast cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes in her chest. She underwent chemotherapy, targeted therapies, a double mastectomy, and radiation treatment.
During her treatment, Melanie relied heavily on her father. She recalled a particularly difficult night: 'I was having a moment and was hysterical. I called you and said, "I think I'm dying."' Within 15 minutes, William arrived at her home. 'He gave me... a "daddy bear hug,"' Melanie said. 'He said, "This is going to be a blip in your life. You're going to get through this, and it'll be a memory."'
William's Cancer Diagnosis
As Melanie neared the end of her treatment, the family faced another blow. In June 2023, William was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma, initially dismissing a lump on his cheek. The cancer had spread to both his lungs and brain before treatment began. Melanie admitted: 'I remember vividly thinking, "I don't have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time."'
William remained determined, recalling doctors telling him: 'You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead.' He added: 'I think the universe is taking care of me.' He underwent surgery followed by two years of immunotherapy, continuing to work throughout his treatment. 'He wouldn't stop his life. He kept working and moving forward,' Melanie said.
Medical Advances and Recovery
Dr. Omid Hamid, chief of translational research and immuno-oncology at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, explained that immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes for advanced melanoma patients. 'He was treated with a combination of two drugs. It's very tolerable in older patients. He's doing phenomenally well,' Dr. Hamid said.
Melanie's breast surgeon, Dr. Carlie Thompson, described modern treatments as 'groundbreaking,' enabling Melanie to reach a point where she now has 'no evidence of disease.' By late 2024, both father and daughter were officially declared cancer-free. Melanie noted it was the third time in her life she had heard her father cry upon learning of her recovery.
New Podcast and Life Perspective
The experience has inspired a new chapter: a weekly podcast, 'No Time but Now,' launching July 29. The series will feature conversations with health experts and fellow survivors, exploring wellness, resilience, and longevity. Reflecting on their journey, William said surviving cancer changed his view of life: 'I'm thinking of the miracle of a hummingbird, and of my dog taking a ball, and my children. I'm aware of the magic of it all.'
