Nerine Kidd was a beautiful American model and actress who became widely known as the third wife of famous Star Trek actor William Shatner. She was born on July 13, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, and she had big dreams from a very young age. Her story is more than just a story about fame and marriage. It is a real human story about hope, love, personal struggles, and a tragic ending that shocked many people. Today, many readers want to know the true story of who Nerine Kidd really was, and this article shares her full life story in simple and honest words.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nerine Elizabeth Kidd |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Star Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Profession | Model, Actress |
| Known For | Being the third wife of William Shatner |
| Spouse | William Shatner (m. 1997) |
| Stepchildren | Leslie Shatner, Lisabeth Shatner, Melanie Shatner |
| Notable Works | Umetni Raj (1990), A Twist in the Tale (1999) |
| Date of Death | August 9, 1999 |
| Place of Death | Studio City, California, USA |
| Cause of Death | Accidental drowning |
| Burial Place | Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills |
Early Life and Family
Nerine grew up in a working-class family in Boston. Her father, Warren Kidd Sr., worked as a longshoreman, and her mother, June, was a former secretary. She was the second of five children and had three brothers named Howard, Robert, and Warren Jr. The family often spent their summers near a lake in Sandown, New Hampshire, where Nerine learned to water-ski and enjoyed long walks by the water.
People who knew her as a child described her as bold, full of energy, and very outgoing. She loved being around people and had a personality that drew others to her. These early traits helped her later when she moved into the world of modeling and acting.
Modeling Career and Move to New York
After finishing high school, Nerine packed her bags and moved to New York City with one big goal: to become a model and actress. A modeling agent from Boston named Janet Chute first noticed her natural beauty and helped her get started. In New York, she worked hard to improve her speech and build her skills as a performer.
She later moved to Europe to grow her modeling career further. She worked in print campaigns, catalogs, and commercials. By 1985, she moved to Los Angeles to try acting. She appeared in a national commercial for Brut cologne and was represented by well-known agencies. Though she never became a major Hollywood star, she was respected by those she worked with for her hard work and warm personality.
Acting Work
In Los Angeles, Nerine worked on several small acting projects. Her known film and TV credits include Umetni Raj (1990) and A Twist in the Tale (1999). She also appeared in a project called Artificial Paradises. These were not big blockbuster roles, but they showed that she was serious about building an acting career.
Even though fame did not come easily to her, Nerine kept trying. She had the looks, the talent, and the drive to succeed. Her career was still growing when she met the man who would change her life completely.
Meeting William Shatner
Nerine met William Shatner in 1994. At the time, Shatner was directing an episode of the TV show Kung Fu: The Legend Continues in Toronto. He saw Nerine at a hotel and was immediately drawn to her. The two began talking and a friendship quickly grew into something deeper.
Their connection surprised many people because of the nearly 28-year age gap between them. Shatner was 63 at the time, while Nerine was only 35. But despite what others thought, the two fell deeply in love. Shatner later wrote in his memoir, Up Till Now (2008), that he “absolutely worshipped her.”
Marriage to William Shatner
Nerine and William Shatner got married on November 15, 1997, in a beautiful ceremony in Pasadena, California. The wedding was a joyful event, and one of the most special details was that Leonard Nimoy, Shatner’s close friend and Star Trek co-star, stood as the best man. It was a memorable day for both of them.
However, before the wedding, Shatner received a warning from Nimoy. Nimoy told him in one simple sentence: “Bill, you do know that Nerine is an alcoholic.” Shatner knew about her struggles but chose to marry her anyway because he loved her. He believed that his love and support could help her heal. Sadly, life had other plans.
Struggles with Addiction
Behind the happy photos and public smiles, Nerine faced a very serious battle with alcohol addiction. She entered rehabilitation programs more than once to try to get sober. She was also arrested twice for driving under the influence, which showed how difficult her struggle had become.
William Shatner tried his best to support her. He later shared that he hid bottles of alcohol around the house to help manage the situation. He also shared that Leonard Nimoy, who had his own past experience with alcohol, stepped in to take Nerine to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Despite all these efforts, the addiction remained a heavy challenge for her.
The Tragic Death of Nerine Kidd
On the night of August 9, 1999, William Shatner came home late after visiting two of his daughters. When he arrived, he found Nerine face-down at the bottom of their swimming pool in Studio City, California. He jumped in and pulled her out of the water, then called 911 immediately. Paramedics arrived at 10:30 p.m. but could not save her. Nerine Kidd was pronounced dead at the scene. She was just 40 years old.
The autopsy results confirmed that she had a blood-alcohol level of 0.28 percent and traces of Valium in her system. The Los Angeles Police Department ruled out foul play and the coroner officially listed the cause of death as accidental drowning. Nerine was later buried at the Church of the Hills at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hollywood Hills. A private memorial service was held on August 14, 1999.
Conclusion
Nerine Kidd lived a life full of dreams, love, and personal pain. She was more than just the wife of a famous actor. She was a real person who worked hard, cared for others, and fought a very difficult battle. Her story reminds us that behind every headline, there is a human being with feelings, struggles, and a full life. Even today, her memory lives on through the foundation that helps other women find their way back to a better life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Nerine Kidd?
Nerine Kidd was an American model and actress. She is best known as the third wife of famous actor William Shatner. She was born on July 13, 1959, in Boston, Massachusetts, and she died on August 9, 1999.
2. How did Nerine Kidd die?
Nerine Kidd died by accidental drowning in the swimming pool of her home in Studio City, California. The autopsy showed that she had a very high level of alcohol and traces of Valium in her system at the time of her death.
3. When did Nerine Kidd marry William Shatner?
Nerine Kidd and William Shatner got married on November 15, 1997, in Pasadena, California. Their marriage lasted less than two years before her tragic death in 1999.
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