Nerine Elizabeth Kidd’s life reads like a bittersweet Hollywood tale — beauty, ambition, romance, and tragedy intertwined. Though best remembered as the third wife of Star Trek legend William Shatner, her story extends far beyond that brief, stormy marriage. It’s a story of a bright young woman from Massachusetts who dreamed of stardom, found love in the limelight, and ultimately lost her battle with addiction — leaving behind a legacy of awareness and compassion.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nerine Elizabeth Kidd |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1959 |
| Age (at death) | 40 years |
| Birthplace | Boston, Massachusetts, USA (some sources list Lake Worth, Florida) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approx. 5′9″ (1.75 m) |
| Hair & Eye Color | Brown hair / Brown eyes |
| Education | High school graduate; trained in modelling and acting |
| Profession | Model and actress |
| Family | Spouse: William Shatner (1997 – 1999) |
| Children | None |
| Parents | June Kidd and Warren Kidd Sr. |
| Net Worth (approx.) | Around US $1 million (at time of death) |
| Known For | Modelling career, acting roles, and marriage to William Shatner |
Early Life & Education
Nerine Elizabeth Kidd was born on July 13, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, to June and Warren Kidd Sr. She grew up in a close-knit, working-class family alongside her brothers Howard, Robert, and Warren Jr. Childhood summers were often spent near a lake in Sandown, New Hampshire, where she learned to water-ski and loved spending long afternoons outdoors.
Those who knew her as a girl described her as outgoing, curious, and full of energy — a personality that easily drew people in. Her natural beauty and confidence hinted at her future in front of the camera.
After finishing school, she began working locally as a model, taking early assignments for department stores and small catalogues. Her potential caught the attention of Boston modelling agent Janet Chute, who advised her to drop her thick accent if she wanted to succeed nationally. Taking that advice seriously, Nerine moved to New York City in her late teens to train in modelling and acting, chasing a dream that would eventually take her all the way to Hollywood.
Personal / Family Life
Nerine’s life changed dramatically in 1994 when she met William Shatner while working on Kung Fu: The Legend Continues. Shatner, already a household name from Star Trek, was nearly three decades older. Despite the age difference, the pair formed a strong bond. Friends would later recall that they appeared deeply affectionate but faced early challenges — particularly Nerine’s struggles with alcohol.
They married on November 15, 1997, in a beautiful Pasadena ceremony, with Leonard Nimoy — Shatner’s lifelong friend and Star Trek co-star — standing as best man. Shatner’s three daughters from his first marriage — Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie — welcomed her into the family circle.
Unfortunately, beneath the surface, addiction began to shadow their marriage. Shatner would later write that Nimoy had warned him before the wedding, saying, “Bill, you do know that Nerine is an alcoholic.” Shatner replied, “I know she is — but I love her.” Nimoy simply answered, “Then you’re in for a rough ride.”
Despite multiple rehab attempts and periods of recovery, Nerine’s alcoholism continued to cause tension at home. Still, Shatner stood by her side, trying to help her through it.
Career Journey
Nerine began her professional life as a model, traveling across Europe before eventually moving to Los Angeles in 1985. Tall, elegant, and camera-ready, she found moderate success in fashion and print ads.
She appeared in several commercials, including a memorable “Brut Cologne: Scent of a Man” campaign, and took small roles in television and film. Her acting credits included A Twist in the Tale (1999) and Umetni raj (1990).
Though she never reached A-list fame, her work in the entertainment industry earned her admiration among peers and a small but loyal following. In the years leading up to her marriage, she focused on maintaining a steady presence in modelling and small acting projects — a career she hoped to expand after settling into married life.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
Behind the charm and glamour, Nerine struggled deeply with alcoholism — a disease that would ultimately define and shorten her life. She faced several DUI arrests, entered rehab multiple times, and battled depression and anxiety.
Friends and colleagues noted that she wanted to stay sober but often relapsed during stressful periods. William Shatner, in his 2008 memoir Up Till Now, described those years as emotionally draining and heartbreaking.
On August 9, 1999, tragedy struck. Shatner returned home one night to find Nerine lying face-down at the bottom of their swimming pool at their Studio City home. Despite immediate efforts to pull her out and call for help, she was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s report revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.27%, more than three times the legal driving limit, and traces of Valium. The official cause of death was listed as accidental drowning associated with neck trauma — suggesting she may have slipped or struck her head before falling into the pool.
Her death left Shatner devastated. He later wrote:
“My grief was overwhelming. This was the kind of pain that makes you think — either I’m going to die, or I’m going to kill myself.”
The tragedy forced him to confront the brutal realities of addiction and inspired him to become an advocate for addiction recovery.
Legacy & Impact
Although Nerine Kidd’s professional career was brief, her story had lasting influence. Following her death, William Shatner established the Nerine Shatner Foundation, dedicated to supporting programs for addiction recovery and women’s shelters.
Through interviews and charity work, Shatner frequently spoke about the destructive power of addiction and the need for empathy and medical support for those affected. Nerine’s story became a symbol of both love’s endurance and the devastation of untreated addiction.
Net Worth & Financial Status
At the time of her death, Nerine Kidd’s estimated net worth was around US $1 million — modest by Hollywood standards but respectable for a working model and actress of her era.
Her wealth primarily came from modelling contracts, commercials, and acting roles. There’s no public record of her owning major business ventures or real estate independent of her marriage to Shatner.
While she lived comfortably during her marriage, most of the couple’s financial assets were managed under Shatner’s name.
Public Image & Media Presence
During her lifetime, Nerine Kidd was known more for her beauty and relationship than for her filmography. The media often portrayed her as the glamorous yet troubled wife of a beloved actor.
After her death, public interest surged. Magazines and entertainment shows covered the tragedy extensively, sometimes sensationalizing the details of her addiction and marriage.
However, as time passed, a more compassionate narrative emerged — one recognizing her as a talented, kind-hearted woman who suffered from a disease rather than as a tabloid cautionary tale.
Today, she is remembered as a woman of warmth, grace, and tragedy, whose death spurred meaningful advocacy for those battling addiction.
Fun Facts / Anecdotes
- Leonard Nimoy warned Shatner before the wedding that Nerine was an alcoholic — advice that proved tragically prophetic.
- The night before her death, witnesses recalled Nerine leaving a restaurant hiding a bottle of alcohol under her coat.
- William Shatner’s 2004 spoken-word album Has Been includes the track “What Have You Done”, a painful tribute to the night he found her.
- In her modelling years, Nerine worked in both the U.S. and Europe, earning a reputation for professionalism and charisma.
- Friends described her as funny, spontaneous, and affectionate — someone who loved music, dancing, and being outdoors.
Conclusion
Nerine Kidd’s life, though brief, continues to resonate because it captures the delicate balance between fame and fragility. She embodied ambition and beauty but also battled demons that many quietly face.
Her tragic death in 1999 marked not only a personal loss for William Shatner but also a wake-up call about addiction’s devastating reach. Today, the foundation established in her memory serves as a reminder that behind every headline is a human story — of hope, struggle, and love.
In remembering Nerine Kidd, we honor not just a celebrity spouse but a woman who fought courageously against her own storms, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire compassion and understanding.
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(FAQs)
1: Who was Nerine Kidd?
Nerine Kidd was an American model and actress, best known as the third wife of Star Trek actor William Shatner.
2: When did Nerine Kidd marry William Shatner?
She married William Shatner on November 15, 1997, in Pasadena, California.
3: Did Nerine Kidd have any children?
No, Nerine and William Shatner did not have children together. She was step-mother to his three daughters from his first marriage.
4: How did Nerine Kidd die?
She tragically died from accidental drowning on August 9, 1999, with alcohol and sedatives found in her system.
5: What was Nerine Kidd’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth at the time of her death was about US $1 million, earned through her modelling and acting work.