Why was Canadian actor William Shatner's kidney stone auctioned for ₹71.30?

Canadian actor William Shatner recalled how the discovery of a kidney stone unexpectedly turned into an opportunity to help a family in need. In 2006, the Star Trek actor revealed that a Canadian gambling company had approached him to auction off his kidney stone, with the proceeds going to charity.

Shatner shared the experience on the Dropping Names podcast with Brent and Jonny*. The Hollywood actor said he was starring in the legal drama Boston Legal at the time.

“I have a kidney stone and this guy takes it out; there it is, a little black ball. Thank God it’s gone,” he said.

According to Shatner, a gambling company approached him with an unusual proposition: they wanted to buy his kidney stone. He explained that the company faced legal restrictions on conventional advertising and was looking for an unconventional way to generate publicity.

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Stunned by the request, Shatner contacted his doctor to check if the kidney stone had been preserved. Fortunately, the doctor kept it.

“So they said to me on the phone, ‘We’re going to buy your kidney stone.’ And I thought, ‘Bloody kidney stone? It was thrown out a week ago,” Shatner recalled.

He added that the unusual item was eventually sold at auction for $75,000 (approx. ₹71.30 lakh)

How money helped a family in Louisiana

The auction also supported a charitable cause. Shatner said the $75,000 raised from the sale was combined with an additional $25,000 contributed by the cast of Boston Legal, bringing the total to $100,000 ( ₹95.07 million).

The money went to Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization that helps people build and improve their homes. According to Shatner, the funds helped provide a home in Louisiana for a family of five.

“He bought a house with … Habitat for Humanity,” he said, recalling the outcome of the initiative. “A house in Louisiana and a family of five, last time I checked, lived in that house.

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Shatner added that proceeds from the auction, along with a contribution from his co-workers, helped make the house a reality.

The incident became an unusual example of celebrity fundraising, turning an item that would normally be discarded into a significant contribution to charity.

A memorable chapter from his time at Boston Legal

Shatner starred in Boston Legal from 2004 to 2008, playing attorney Denny Crane alongside James Spader, who portrayed Alan Shore. The series also featured actors such as Lake Bell and Julie Bowen.

The kidney stone auction was held while Shatner was working on the show. The additional contribution of the actors helped turn the initiative into a joint effort to support a family in need.

Shatner also reflects on his life and career through his memoir, William Shatner… And You, published on August 31. The book shares his experiences and reflections along with contributions from people who shared moments of his life and career.