William Shatner has revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma in June 2023, with the cancer having spread to his lungs and brain, at the same time his daughter Melanie was fighting stage 4 breast cancer. Both were declared cancer-free by late 2024, and the pair are now sharing their experience publicly ahead of launching a new podcast, No Time but Now, in which they will speak to health experts and fellow cancer survivors.

Shatner, 95, said his diagnosis followed the discovery of a lump on the back of his neck, which a plastic surgeon friend urged him to have checked. He had surgery to remove the tumour, followed by two years of immunotherapy, while Melanie described the fear of facing her father's illness while undergoing her own treatment. Shatner remains upbeat about his recovery and is now pressing ahead with a first heavy metal album, covering acts including Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden with a band led by former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, which he plans to debut live at Riot Fest in Chicago this autumn.