It’s one of those questions that hits you while you're scrolling through news or watching a rerun. How old is William? The problem is, there isn’t just one "William" ruling the cultural zeitgeist. Whether you’re curious about the future King of England, a sci-fi legend who actually went to space, or a gritty character actor, the answer changes completely depending on which one you mean.
Honestly, we’ve all been there—trying to figure out if Prince William is hitting a milestone birthday or if William Shatner is actually defying the laws of biology.
As of January 2026, the ages of these famous figures might surprise you. Some are entering new decades of leadership, while others are proving that age is basically just a number when you have a busy schedule. Let's break down the real numbers for the Williams you’re likely thinking about.
How Old Is William, the Prince of Wales?
If you’re looking for the heir to the British throne, the answer is precise. Prince William is 43 years old. He was born on June 21, 1982, at St Mary's Hospital in London. Since we are currently in early 2026, he hasn't hit his birthday for this year yet. When June rolls around, he will turn 44.
It’s a weirdly transitional time for him. He’s no longer the "young" prince. He’s a middle-aged father of three—George, Charlotte, and Louis—and his role has shifted significantly since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and his father's coronation. People often forget that William has been in the public eye since the literal day he was born. Seeing him at 43 feels like a reality check for an entire generation that grew up watching him.
💡 You might also like: Finding the Perfect Donny Osmond Birthday Card: What Fans Often Get Wrong
The Royal Timeline
- Current Age: 43 (Turns 44 on June 21, 2026)
- Birth Year: 1982
- Context: He’s currently balancing his duties as the Prince of Wales with supporting Princess Kate during her health recovery.
Is William Shatner Really That Old?
Then there’s the other William. The one who commanded the Starship Enterprise. If you want to talk about "defying age," William Shatner is the poster child.
William Shatner is 94 years old. Yes, you read that right. Born March 22, 1931, Shatner is closing in on a century. What’s wild is that he’s still working. He’s doing live tours, speaking at conventions, and probably still has more energy than most people in their thirties. He famously became the oldest person to go into space back in 2021, and five years later, he hasn't slowed down.
When he hits March 2026, he’ll be 95. It’s genuinely impressive. Most people are retired for thirty years by that point, but Shatner seems to thrive on the chaos of a busy schedule.
The Other Famous Williams You Might Be Searching For
"William" is a powerhouse name in Hollywood and beyond. If the prince or Captain Kirk isn't who you had in mind, check these names.
📖 Related: Martha Stewart Young Modeling: What Most People Get Wrong
Willem Dafoe
Technically William James Dafoe, the man with the most expressive face in cinema is 70 years old. Born July 22, 1955, he’ll turn 71 later this summer. He’s currently in a bit of a career renaissance, taking on weirder and bolder roles than ever.
William H. Macy
The Shameless star and incredible character actor is 75 years old. His birthday is March 13, 1950. He’s one of those actors who has looked "seasoned" for two decades, so finding out he’s 75 usually catches people off guard.
William Levy
Switching gears to the world of Telenovelas and crossover stardom, William Levy is 45 years old. Born August 29, 1980, in Cuba, he’s the younger end of the "famous William" spectrum. He’ll be 46 by late August 2026.
Why We Care About How Old William Is
Age isn't just a number in the world of celebrities and royals; it’s a marker of legacy. For Prince William, his age represents the countdown to a reign that will likely define the British monarchy in the 21st century. For someone like Shatner, his age is a testament to vitality.
👉 See also: Ethan Slater and Frankie Grande: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
We search for these ages because we want to calibrate our own lives. If Prince William is 43 and has three kids and a massive job, we compare that to our own milestones. If Willem Dafoe is 70 and still doing stunts or intense indie films, it gives us hope that we don't have to "settle down" just because the calendar says so.
Real Talk on Aging in the Spotlight
It’s tough getting older when your face is on every supermarket magazine. Prince William has dealt with hair loss and the visible stress of family drama, all while the world watches. Meanwhile, actors like Macy or Dafoe use their aging features to grab better, more complex roles.
Quick Age Cheat Sheet (Early 2026)
- Prince William: 43
- William Shatner: 94
- Willem Dafoe: 70
- William H. Macy: 75
- William Levy: 45
Moving Forward With This Info
Knowing how old is william helps put the news into context. Next time you see a headline about the British Royal Family or a new sci-fi project from a veteran actor, you'll know exactly where they are in their journey.
If you're tracking these figures for a project or just out of curiosity, keep an eye on those spring and summer birthdays. March and June are big months for the Williams of the world.
To stay updated, you can follow the official Royal Family social media channels for Prince William's engagements, or check industry trades like Variety for the latest on the actors. Most of these men are active enough that their "age" is the least interesting thing about them—but it's still the question everyone wants answered first.
Make sure to double-check the current date when you're looking this up later in the year. Once June 21st passes, our Royal friend bumps up a digit.