Nerine Kidd was an American model and aspiring actress best known as the third wife of William Shatner, the actor who became internationally famous for playing Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Born on July 13, 1959, Nerine married Shatner in 1997, but their marriage ended tragically when she died in a swimming-pool accident at their Los Angeles home on August 9, 1999. She was just 40 years old. Her life and death attracted widespread media attention, particularly because of her struggles with alcohol dependence and Shatner’s subsequent public reflections on their relationship. Her story is documented in contemporary reporting by the Los Angeles Times.
Quick Bio: Nerine Kidd
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nerine Elizabeth Kidd |
| Known as | Nerine Kidd |
| Date of birth | July 13, 1959 |
| Date of death | August 9, 1999 |
| Age at death | 40 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Model, aspiring actress |
| Known for | Third wife of William Shatner |
| Husband | William Shatner |
| Marriage date | November 15, 1997 |
| Marriage duration | Approximately 1 year and 9 months |
| Place of death | Studio City, Los Angeles, California |
| Cause of death | Accidental drowning, with alcohol and medication identified as contributing factors |
| Children | No publicly documented children |
| Net worth | Not independently verified |
| Legacy | Remembered through Shatner’s reflections and addiction-awareness efforts |
Who Was Nerine Kidd?
Nerine Kidd was an American model whose name became widely known through her marriage to William Shatner.
Although she had worked in modeling and had an interest in acting, her professional career did not achieve the same public recognition as her husband’s.
Her marriage took place during a later stage of Shatner’s career, decades after his original success in Star Trek.
The relationship was affected by serious personal difficulties, including Nerine’s struggles with alcohol.
Her death in August 1999 became one of the most painful events in Shatner’s personal life.
Why Was Nerine Kidd Famous?
Nerine was primarily known as William Shatner’s third wife.
Their relationship attracted public attention because Shatner was already a well-established actor.
Her sudden death at the age of 40 made international headlines.
Nerine Kidd’s Early Life
Nerine Elizabeth Kidd was born on July 13, 1959.
Her childhood, family background, and early education are not extensively documented in reliable public sources.
Many celebrity biographies concentrate almost entirely on her marriage and death.
Consequently, details such as her parents’ occupations, childhood residence, and schooling should not be invented.
Where Was Nerine Kidd Born?
Her precise birthplace has not been consistently established in authoritative biographical references.
She was American.
How Old Was Nerine Kidd When She Died?
She was 40 years old.
She died less than a month after her 40th birthday.
Nerine Kidd’s Modeling Career
Before becoming widely known as Shatner’s wife, Nerine worked as a model.
Modeling involves professional work in photography, advertising, fashion, and commercial campaigns.
However, the specific agencies, brands, and publications associated with her career are not comprehensively documented.
Some secondary sources describe her as an aspiring actress as well.
Was Nerine Kidd an Actress?
She has been described as an actress in biographical references.
However, a substantial, independently verified filmography is not available.
Her primary public recognition came from her marriage rather than a major film or television role.
How Did Nerine Kidd Meet William Shatner?
Nerine and William met during the 1990s.
Their relationship developed after Shatner’s second marriage ended.
The precise circumstances of their first meeting have not been consistently documented in authoritative reporting.
They eventually began a romantic relationship and married in 1997.
Was William Shatner Already Famous?
Yes.
By the time he met Nerine, Shatner had been internationally recognized for decades.
His role as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek television series had established him as a major science-fiction figure.
He had also appeared in numerous films and television programs.
Who Is William Shatner?
William Shatner is a Canadian actor, author, producer, and television personality.
He was born on March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Quebec.
He became famous for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series.
The original series aired from 1966 to 1969.
Shatner later reprised the role in several Star Trek feature films.
He also starred in T. J. Hooker and Boston Legal.
His long career has included acting, writing, music, television hosting, and public appearances.
William Shatner’s Major Career Milestones
| Year | Career event |
|---|---|
| 1931 | Born in Montreal |
| 1966 | Began starring as Captain Kirk |
| 1979 | Appeared in Star Trek: The Motion Picture |
| 1982 | Starred in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan |
| 1982–1986 | Starred in T. J. Hooker |
| 1997 | Married Nerine Kidd |
| 2004 | Began starring in Boston Legal |
| 2005 | Won an Emmy for Boston Legal |
| 2021 | Traveled to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard |
Shatner’s career continued for decades after Nerine’s death.
Nerine Kidd and William Shatner’s Wedding
Nerine married William Shatner on November 15, 1997.
She became his third wife.
Their marriage followed Shatner’s earlier relationships with Gloria Rand and Marcy Lafferty.
The wedding marked the beginning of a relationship that would later be remembered for both affection and personal hardship.
How Long Were Nerine Kidd and William Shatner Married?
They were married for approximately one year and nine months.
Their marriage ended with Nerine’s death in August 1999.
Was Nerine Kidd William Shatner’s First Wife?
No.
She was his third wife.
His first wife was Gloria Rand, and his second wife was Marcy Lafferty.
Where Was Nerine Kidd Born?
IMDb lists Nerine’s birthplace as Lake Worth, Florida, on July 13, 1959.
Her early years were spent outside the Hollywood spotlight.
A detailed Los Angeles Times profile published after her death described her family as working-class and included interviews with her relatives.
Her siblings included Jeanine Kidd and Warren Kidd.
These family accounts provide a more personal picture of Nerine than the celebrity headlines that followed her death.
Nerine Kidd’s Acting Credits
Although Nerine is frequently described as an aspiring actress, she did have identifiable screen credits.
According to IMDb, her work included:
| Year | Production | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Umetni raj | Rose Schwartz |
| 1999 | A Twist in the Tale | Laura Bradley |
She also appeared in commercials and pursued acting opportunities after moving to Los Angeles in 1985.
Contemporary reporting indicates that she worked on a film project in Yugoslavia that was never completed.
Did Nerine Kidd Appear on Television?
Yes.
She appeared in an episode of A Twist in the Tale, a television series associated with William Shatner.
Her acting career was relatively short, but she was more than simply a model hoping to become an actress.
How Nerine Kidd Really Met William Shatner
Nerine and William met around 1994 on the set of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.
Shatner was directing, and Nerine had an acting role.
Their professional introduction developed into a romantic relationship.
This detail was confirmed by people connected to Shatner’s production company in contemporary newspaper reporting.
Their relationship continued for several years before their wedding.
What Was Their Age Difference?
William Shatner was born on March 22, 1931, while Nerine was born on July 13, 1959.
They were approximately 28 years apart in age.
At their wedding in November 1997, Shatner was 66 and Nerine was 38.
Inside Nerine Kidd and William Shatner’s Wedding
The couple married on November 15, 1997, in Pasadena, California.
Their ceremony was a private, formal celebration attended by family and friends.
One particularly notable guest was Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock alongside Shatner in Star Trek.
Nimoy served as Shatner’s best man.
The wedding received attention because of Shatner’s celebrity status and his longstanding friendship with Nimoy.
Did William Shatner File for Divorce From Nerine Kidd?
Yes.
Although the marriage ultimately ended because of Nerine’s death, it had experienced a separation.
Shatner filed for divorce on October 21, 1998, citing irreconcilable differences.
However, the couple subsequently reconciled.
At the time of Nerine’s death in August 1999, they were living together again.
Why Did They Reconcile?
The precise private reasons for their reconciliation were not fully documented.
Contemporary reports confirm that the couple resumed their relationship.
It is important not to confuse the earlier divorce filing with a completed divorce: Nerine was still legally married to William Shatner when she died.
Nerine Kidd’s Struggles With Alcohol Dependence
Nerine experienced serious problems with alcohol dependence.
Contemporary reporting indicates that she underwent treatment, including periods of rehabilitation.
Her difficulties affected her personal life and marriage.
Alcohol dependence is a medical condition that can be difficult to overcome, even when someone receives treatment and support.
It should not be reduced to a personal failing or a sensational celebrity story.
Nerine’s experiences became more widely discussed after her death, particularly when the medical examiner released the autopsy findings.
What Happened to Nerine Kidd on August 9, 1999?
On the evening of August 9, 1999, William Shatner returned to the couple’s home in Studio City, Los Angeles.
He discovered Nerine unresponsive at the bottom of their swimming pool.
He entered the pool, brought her out, and sought emergency assistance.
Despite attempts to help her, she could not be revived.
The Los Angeles Police Department subsequently reported that there was no evidence of foul play.
Investigators concluded that she had accidentally drowned while alone in the pool.
Was Nerine Kidd’s Death an Accident?
Yes.
The Los Angeles County coroner ruled her death accidental.
The official cause was drowning associated with neck trauma.
Toxicology results identified alcohol and the sedative diazepam, commonly known as Valium, as contributing factors.
Investigators believed that she struck her head or neck while entering the pool, resulting in injuries that contributed to the drowning.
Was There Any Evidence of Foul Play?
No.
Police found no evidence supporting homicide or other foul play.
The official investigation concluded that her death was an accident.
Was Nerine Kidd’s Death a Suicide?
Authorities did not classify her death as suicide.
The coroner ruled it an accidental drowning.
Claims suggesting otherwise are inconsistent with the official findings.
William Shatner’s Response to Nerine’s Death
Nerine’s death deeply affected Shatner.
He spoke publicly about his grief shortly afterward and later reflected on the loss in interviews and autobiographical writing.
The tragedy became one of the most difficult experiences of his personal life.
His public reflections have included the emotional consequences of losing a spouse and the challenges of loving someone struggling with addiction.
The story has remained part of his biography, even as his acting career continued.
The Nerine Shatner Memorial Fund
Following Nerine’s death, a memorial fund was established in her name.
Contemporary reports connected the fund with Friendly House, an organization providing support for people experiencing alcohol and drug dependence.
The fund was intended to help people facing similar struggles.
Its creation gave the family and supporters a way to honor Nerine through assistance to others.
The existence of the historical memorial fund is documented, although its present operating status has not been independently established.
Where Is Nerine Kidd Buried?
IMDb’s biographical records identify Nerine’s burial place as Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
She died on August 9, 1999, aged 40.
Her death occurred less than two years after her marriage to Shatner.
Did Nerine Kidd Have Children?
There are no publicly documented children from Nerine’s marriage to William Shatner.
Shatner had three daughters from his first marriage to Gloria Rand:
-
Leslie Carol Shatner
-
Lisabeth Shatner
-
Melanie Shatner
Nerine became their stepmother through her marriage.
No reliable source establishes that she had biological children of her own.
William Shatner’s Marriages
| Spouse | Marriage period |
|---|---|
| Gloria Rand | 1956–1969 |
| Marcy Lafferty | 1973–1996 |
| Nerine Kidd | 1997–1999 |
| Elizabeth Martin | 2001–2020 |
Nerine was Shatner’s third wife.
Following her death, he married Elizabeth Martin in 2001.
That marriage ended in divorce in 2020.
Nerine Kidd’s Net Worth
Nerine Kidd’s personal net worth at the time of her death has not been independently verified.
Her work included modeling, commercial appearances, and acting.
However, publicly available records do not provide enough financial information to establish her earnings, assets, or estate value.
The wealth accumulated by William Shatner should not be presented as Nerine’s individual net worth.
Nerine Kidd’s Life Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Born July 13 in Lake Worth, Florida, according to IMDb |
| 1985 | Moved to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment opportunities |
| 1990 | Appeared in Umetni raj |
| Around 1994 | Met William Shatner on Kung Fu: The Legend Continues |
| 1997 | Married Shatner on November 15 |
| 1998 | Shatner filed for divorce; the couple later reconciled |
| 1999 | Appeared in A Twist in the Tale |
| August 9, 1999 | Died in an accidental drowning |
| October 1999 | Final autopsy findings publicly reported |
Common Misconceptions About Nerine Kidd
| Claim | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| Nerine was only a model | She also had acting credits |
| She was Shatner’s first wife | She was his third wife |
| She married Shatner in 1999 | They married in November 1997 |
| She and Shatner were divorced when she died | They had reconciled and remained married |
| Her death was ruled suspicious | Authorities ruled it accidental |
| She died by suicide | No; the official finding was accidental drowning |
| Her death was caused solely by alcohol | The coroner identified drowning with neck trauma; alcohol and diazepam contributed |
| She had children with Shatner | No children together are publicly documented |
| She died in 2000 | She died August 9, 1999 |
| She was in her fifties when she died | She was 40 |
Why Nerine Kidd’s Story Still Matters
Nerine Kidd is often remembered primarily through the circumstances of her death.
However, her life included a family, professional ambitions, modeling work, acting roles, and personal relationships.
Her story also highlights the serious risks associated with alcohol dependence, particularly when combined with sedating medication.
The public record shows that she experienced difficulties, sought treatment, and remained a person whose life meant much to her family and friends.
A respectful account of Nerine’s life should recognize both her individuality and the tragedy that brought her widespread attention.
Final Thoughts
Nerine Kidd was an American model and actress born on July 13, 1959.
She pursued entertainment opportunities in Los Angeles and appeared in productions including Umetni raj and A Twist in the Tale.
She met William Shatner in the 1990s and married him on November 15, 1997.
Their marriage experienced difficulties, but the couple reconciled after a divorce filing.
On August 9, 1999, Nerine died in an accidental swimming-pool drowning at their Studio City home.
She was 40 years old.
The coroner identified drowning associated with neck trauma, with alcohol and diazepam contributing.
Her death profoundly affected Shatner and led to the establishment of a memorial fund supporting people struggling with addiction.
More than two decades later, Nerine’s life remains an important and deeply personal chapter in the actor’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nerine Kidd
1. Who was Nerine Kidd?
Nerine Kidd was an American model and actress best known as William Shatner’s third wife.
2. When was Nerine Kidd born?
She was born on July 13, 1959.
3. Where was Nerine Kidd born?
IMDb identifies Lake Worth, Florida, as her birthplace.
4. How old was Nerine Kidd when she died?
She was 40 years old.
5. Who was Nerine Kidd’s husband?
Her husband was actor William Shatner.
6. When did Nerine Kidd marry William Shatner?
They married on November 15, 1997.
7. How did Nerine Kidd meet William Shatner?
They met on the set of Kung Fu: The Legend Continues around 1994.
8. Was Leonard Nimoy at their wedding?
Yes. Leonard Nimoy served as Shatner’s best man.
9. Did Nerine Kidd and William Shatner divorce?
No. Shatner filed for divorce in 1998, but they reconciled before her death.
10. When did Nerine Kidd die?
She died on August 9, 1999.
11. What caused Nerine Kidd’s death?
The official cause was accidental drowning associated with neck trauma. Alcohol and diazepam were contributing factors.
12. Did Nerine Kidd have children?
No biological children are publicly documented.
13. Was Nerine Kidd an actress?
Yes. Her credits include Umetni raj and A Twist in the Tale.
14. Where is Nerine Kidd buried?
She is listed as buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
15. What was Nerine Kidd’s net worth?
Her personal net worth has not been independently verified.
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