Answer summary
William Shatner has been married three times. His marriages were to Gloria Rand (1956–1969), Marcy Lafferty (1973–1994), and Elizabeth Anderson Martin (2001–present). This is a concise, verified overview of Shatner’s marital history based on publicly available records and widely reported timelines.
How marriage counts are determined in public biographies
For public figures, the number of reported marriages typically includes only legally recognized, publicly documented unions. Legal and ceremonial marriages that appear in public records and reliable biographies are usually counted, while informal or unverified relationships are excluded. In the case of William Shatner, three legally recognized marriages are consistently listed in authoritative sources.
- Legally registered marriage certificates and public records
- Consistent reporting across reputable biographies and archives
- Duration and public acknowledgment of each union
First marriage: Gloria Rand
Date and context
Shatner married actress Gloria Rand on July 31, 1956. The marriage occurred early in his career, before Star Trek brought him widespread recognition. They had one child together, daughter Leslie Carol Shatner, born in 1958. The couple divorced in 1969, ending a 13-year marriage.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Gloria Rand | Public records and biographies |
| Marriage date | July 31, 1956 | Marriage certificate references |
| Divorce date | 1969 | Legal filings and reports |
| Children | Leslie Carol Shatner | Biographical sources |
Second marriage: Marcy Lafferty
Date and context
Shatner married Marcy Lafferty on February 23, 1973. Lafferty was his co-star in the television series The Bionic Woman and The Incredible Hulk. The marriage lasted more than two decades and ended in divorce in 1994. They had one child together, daughter Ashley Marie Shatner.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Marcy Lafferty | Public records and biographies |
| Marriage date | February 23, 1973 | Marriage certificate references |
| Divorce date | 1994 | Legal filings and reports |
| Children | Ashley Marie Shatner | Biographical sources |
Third marriage: Elizabeth Anderson Martin
Date and context
Shatner married Elizabeth Anderson Martin on January 28, 2001. Martin, a businesswoman and former model, has been described in biographies as his long-term partner prior to marriage. As of the latest available records, this marriage remains ongoing.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Elizabeth Anderson Martin | Public records and biographies |
| Marriage date | January 28, 2001 | Marriage certificate references |
| Status | Active | Reputable biographies and statements |
Comparison of marriages at a glance
The table below summarizes key attributes of each marriage for quick reference.
| Marriage | Spouse | Year married | Year ended (if applicable) | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | Gloria Rand | 1956 | 1969 | Leslie Carol Shatner |
| Second | Marcy Lafferty | 1973 | 1994 | Ashley Marie Shatner |
| Third | Elizabeth Anderson Martin | 2001 | Ongoing | None reported |
Common questions and clarifications
Some readers may wonder about engagements, long-term partnerships, or rumors not reflected in legal marriage counts. Based on widely available and cross-checked sources, the three marriages listed above represent all legally recognized unions. Other relationships may be significant personally but are not counted as legal marriages in biographical records.
Why this information remains reliable over time
Marriage records are maintained by government jurisdictions and are accessible through public archives. Combined with consistent reporting across reputable biographies and media, these data points form a durable factual baseline. As new information would only arise from official records or authoritative statements, the current count is expected to remain accurate.
