William Shatner’s kidney stone raised $75,000 at auction in 2006. (Photo: Facebook)
William Shatner once turned an unusual personal experience into an opportunity to help a family in need. In 2006, the Star Trek actor auctioned off his kidney stone for $75,000, with the proceeds contributing to a charitable initiative that helped build a home through Habitat for Humanity.
Shatner recently revisited the bizarre episode during an appearance on the podcast Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny, recalling how a Canadian gambling company approached him about acquiring the stone after it had been removed. The money was combined with funds raised by his Boston Legal co-stars to support a family in Louisiana.
How William Shatner’s kidney stone ended up at an auction
Shatner, who was starring in the legal drama Boston Legal at the time, recalled that the incident began after a doctor removed his kidney stone in 2006.“I have a kidney stone and the guy takes it out, here it is, a little black pellet. Thank God it's gone,” he said while recounting the story on Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny.According to Shatner, a Canadian gambling company contacted him about a week later with an unexpected proposal: it wanted to buy the kidney stone. He explained that the company was unable to advertise in the usual way because of legal restrictions and was looking for alternative ways to generate publicity.
Initially, Shatner was surprised by the request, as he assumed the stone had already been discarded. He contacted his doctor, who still had it, and retrieved the unusual item before handing it over to the company.“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.He added that the stone was eventually auctioned off for $75,000.
How the money helped a family in Louisiana
The unusual auction had a charitable outcome. Shatner explained that the proceeds were combined with an additional $25,000 raised by the cast of Boston Legal, bringing the total contribution to $100,000.The money went to Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organisation that helps build and improve homes for people in need. Shatner said the funds helped provide a house in Louisiana for a family of five.“Bought a house with ... Habitat for Humanity,” he said, recalling the outcome of the initiative.
“A home in Louisiana and a family of five, last time I checked, was living in that house.”The actor added that his kidney stone auction proceeds, together with the contribution raised by his co-stars, helped make the home possible.The incident became one of the more unusual examples of celebrity fundraising, turning an object that would ordinarily be discarded into a substantial charitable contribution.
A memorable chapter from his time on Boston Legal
Shatner starred in Boston Legal from 2004 to 2008, playing attorney Denny Crane opposite James Spader, who portrayed Alan Shore.
The series also featured actors including Lake Bell and Julie Bowen.The kidney stone auction took place during Shatner's time on the show, and the cast's additional contribution helped turn the episode into a collective charitable effort.Shatner has also been reflecting on his life and career through his memoir, William Shatner... And You, published on August 31. The book brings together his stories and perspectives alongside contributions from people who have shared experiences with him.