William Shatner and his daughter, Melanie Shatner Gretsch, have revealed that they were quietly battling separate stage 4 cancer battles at the same time.
In a new interview with People magazine on Wednesday, July 22, the father-daughter duo shared how they supported each other through treatment and are now both cancer-free.
Melanie, 61, told the outlet that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2022 after finding a lump. Just a year later was Star Trek the legend, now 95, learned he had stage 4 melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain, turning an already difficult period into an emotional challenge for the entire family.
Melanie underwent chemotherapy, HER2-targeted treatments, a double mastectomy and 30 rounds of radiation, but admitted she worried more about her father than herself. “I remember vividly thinking, ‘I don’t have the strength to take care of myself and lose my father at the same time,'” she said.
Shatner discovered his own illness after noticing a lump on his cheek, which was confirmed to be a growing tumor. After the operation, he completed two years of immunotherapy.
Melanie also recalled how her father immediately stepped in to help with medical expenses, telling her, “I don’t want you to worry. Just send me the bills.”
Now recovered, the couple launches the podcast No time but nowwhere they plan to speak with health experts and other cancer survivors.
