William Shatner Undergoes Shoulder Surgery After Horseback Riding Accident
Entertainment

William Shatner Undergoes Shoulder Surgery After Horseback Riding Accident

authorBy Ricky Gervais
DateMar 12, 2026
Read time2 min

William Shatner, the iconic actor celebrated for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk, recently shared details about a significant health event: a shoulder operation stemming from a horseback riding mishap late last year. The 94-year-old, who will mark his 95th birthday soon, underwent surgery on his right shoulder. He openly discussed the incident at the 53rd annual Saturn Awards in Burbank, California, where he was honored with the Hall of Fame award for the Star Trek franchise. During his acceptance, Shatner humorously noted his current physical state, attributing his "old, tired, and kind of hurt" feelings to the equestrian accident.

Shatner recounted the circumstances of his fall, explaining his involvement in equine skills competitions that involve rapid maneuvers and sliding stops. He mentioned that his horse had a tendency to veer slightly, leading to his tumble. Despite his history of performing stunts, the impact resulted in a serious shoulder injury. He described his upcoming procedure as a "new type of shoulder operation called a reverse something or other," expressing optimism for a pain-free recovery. This recent medical procedure follows a prior health scare in September 2025, when Shatner was briefly hospitalized due to a blood sugar issue, an incident he lightheartedly dismissed as "overindulging" and urged followers to disregard tabloid rumors.

Despite these recent health challenges, William Shatner maintains a remarkably dynamic lifestyle. Beyond his acting career, he continues to engage in various projects, including his work on the History Channel's "The UnXplained." Notably, in 2021, he achieved a historic feat by becoming the oldest person to travel to space at the age of 90, participating in Blue Origin's NS-18 Mission. His enduring spirit and commitment to his passions serve as a testament to embracing life's adventures, regardless of age, and facing adversity with resilience and a touch of humor.

More Articles
Finneas O'Connell to Compose Score for "Beef" Season 2
Finneas O'Connell, a multi-award-winning artist, is set to compose the original score for the highly anticipated second season of Netflix and A24's anthology series "Beef." Known for his profound musical contributions alongside his sister Billie Eilish, O'Connell's involvement promises to bring a unique emotional depth to the Emmy-winning drama, which will introduce a new cast and narrative.
By Stephen KingMar 12, 2026
Roadside Attractions Acquires Meghan Markle and Prince Harry-Backed Documentary 'Cookie Queens'
Roadside Attractions has successfully acquired the U.S. distribution rights for "Cookie Queens," a documentary supported by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is set to feature at SXSW, delves into the iconic American tradition of Girl Scout Cookie season. Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the documentary offers a captivating look at the joys and pressures faced by young Girl Scouts during their annual cookie sales drive.
By Ta-Nehisi CoatesMar 12, 2026
Stewie Spinoff Series 'Stewie' Greenlit by Fox for 2027-28 Season
Fox has commissioned a two-season order for "Stewie," a new animated series centered on the youngest Griffin family member from "Family Guy." Created by Seth MacFarlane and Kirker Butler, the show is slated for a 2027-28 premiere, with MacFarlane reprising his voice role. This marks the second "Family Guy" spin-off, following "The Cleveland Show."
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieMar 12, 2026
Kurt Russell Recalls Kicking Elvis Presley in His First Film Role
Actor Kurt Russell recently shared an amusing anecdote on 'Late Night With Seth Meyers' about his film debut at age 11, where he was tasked with kicking Elvis Presley in the shin for a scene in the 1963 musical 'It Happened at the World's Fair.' Russell recounted how Presley, despite wearing a protective pad, was notably impressed by the young actor's committed performance during the repeated takes of the scene.
By Roger EbertMar 12, 2026
Google and Range Media Partners to Launch Microdrama Slate with Hollywood's Top Producers
Google and Range Media Partners are set to launch "100 ZEROS," a joint production initiative focused on microdramas. This collaboration brings together veteran Hollywood producers such as Mike Fleiss, Simon Fuller, and McG to create short-form content. The venture aims to leverage the expertise of established creators to elevate the quality and expand the audience for vertical video formats, which have seen a surge in popularity. The programming will debut on the Google TV app.
By Ricky GervaisMar 12, 2026