In an unusual twist of fate, actor William Shatner has revealed that a Canadian gambling company purchased his kidney stone for a staggering $75,000 in 2006. Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in the iconic Star Trek series, shared the story during a recent episode of the podcast *Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny*.
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The 95-year-old star, who was starring in the television series *Boston Legal* at the time, recounted the episode that led to the unusual auction. He described how he developed a kidney stone, which was subsequently removed by a doctor. “It’s a little black pellet. Thank God it’s gone,” Shatner remembered, reflecting on the relief of having the painful stone extracted.
Just a week later, the actor received an unexpected phone call from the gambling company, which, he noted, could not advertise directly due to regulatory constraints. Instead, they sought unconventional methods of promotion. “So, they said to me on the phone, ‘We’ll buy your kidney stone.’ And I thought, ‘A bloody kidney stone? It’s been thrown away a week ago,’” Shatner recalled.
Shatner’s curiosity led him back to his doctor, who fortunately still had the artefact. “He handed me the kidney stone, and I gave it to them,” he explained. The company then went on to auction the stone, eventually selling it for an impressive $75,000.
The proceeds from this auction did not go to waste; they contributed to a noble cause. Shatner collaborated with the cast of *Boston Legal*, who collectively raised an additional $25,000. Together, they handed over a total of $100,000 to Habitat for Humanity, an organisation dedicated to providing affordable housing. Shatner enthusiastically shared that the funds were used to build a home for a family of five in Louisiana. “Last time I checked, they were living in that house,” he noted.
In 2006, CBS News had initially reported that Shatner sold the kidney stone to the gambling company for $25,000 prior to the auction that fetched the much higher sum. The bizarre sale turned out to be a win-win situation, bringing attention to both the actor’s past medical mishap and the philanthropic work of Habitat for Humanity.
Beyond this surprising anecdote, Shatner has recently released a new memoir titled *William Shatner… And You*, which showcases stories shared by fans throughout his storied career. Published on August 31, the book aims to honour the connections he has forged with his audience over the years. “My greatest joy has been the connection I’ve shared with fans,” he told *PEOPLE* in a previous interview. “William Shatner…And You is a celebration of them: their stories, their passion and the bond we’ve built together.”
This latest revelation adds yet another layer to Shatner’s already colourful and eclectic life as an actor, author, and philanthropist. His humour and tenacity continue to resonate even at 95, demonstrating that some of life’s oddities can result in meaningful contributions to society. As Shatner reflects on his past, he remains a cultural icon who engages deeply with those who have supported him throughout his illustrious career.