William Shatner shares advice for thriving at 95

Another added: “The embodiment of live long and prosper.”

Others joined in with birthday wishes, including one fan who commented: “Happy birthday—may you live to 120!” and David Wangberg who wrote: “And, of course, happiest of birthdays to a legend!”

Some responses were more reflective, with one user writing: “What most don’t realize is that we’re just big kids who can do adult things with adult money. Life is serious, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. We have to enjoy every day we wake up because, just like tomorrow, this afternoon isn’t guaranteed to any of us. Birthday blessings to you sir.”

However, not everyone was convinced the message landed safely—particularly when it came to health.

“At 95, you could still come down with lung cancer, TB or COPD,” one commenter warned.

Another added: “Be careful what you put out there, especially when you’re done living your life. The young ones are watching.”

While Shatner’s remarks were clearly tongue‑in‑cheek, medical experts consistently stress that smoking—even occasionally—carries serious risks at any age.

Organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness, including lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic lung conditions, and that quitting offers health benefits even later in life.

Shatner, best known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, has enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades. In addition to his sci‑fi legacy, he starred in T.J. Hooker and Boston Legal, winning two Emmy Awards, authored dozens of books, and in 2021 became the oldest person to travel to space at age 90.

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