WILLIAM SHATNER OPENS UP ABOUT SURVIVING STAGE 4 CANCER AND WHY HE STILL BELIEVES “I’M NOT GOING TO DIE”.(PHOTO).

 William Shatner opens up about surviving stage 4 cancer and why he still believes “I’m not going to die”

William Shatner has opened up about his battle with metastatic malignant melanoma and how the experience shaped the way he views life.

The Star Trek actor, 95, revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 after doctors told him the condition could have become fatal if it had been discovered later.

“They said, ‘You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead,’” Shatner told PEOPLE. “Yeah, see? That’s my life.”

Shatner said the diagnosis was another challenge in a life that has included financial struggles, the death of his father, difficult divorces and other personal setbacks.

Despite his health scare, the actor said he continues to focus on appreciating everyday moments and does not believe he is nearing the end of his life.

“Even at this point, I don’t believe I’m going to die,” he said, explaining that he tries to remain aware of his surroundings and experiences, from driving to noticing nature and spending time with loved ones.

Shatner also revealed that his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, 61, was undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer during the same period. Both father and daughter have been cancer-free since 2024.

The pair are now preparing to launch a podcast titled No Time but Now on July 29, where they will speak with health experts and other cancer survivors about their experiences.

Shatner said the conversations have given him a chance to hear how others approach health, lifestyle and making the most of their time.

“We’re doing this podcast in which we talk about making life count now,” he said. “Suddenly there’s a joy in this communication.”

Melanie said moving beyond her cancer treatment has also helped her address some of the anxiety she had carried for much of her life.