William Shatner transforms $42 from Elon Musk into $200,000 for charity

William Shatner mentions having a "tentative relationship" with Elon Musk over the years. "Barely making it to the R in relationship," he shared with Business Insider in a recent conversation.

However, last month, Musk sent him $42 through X Money, the payment service being piloted within the X app, assisting Shatner in raising close to $200,000 for charity.

The 94-year-old actor told Business Insider that the exchange began as "lighthearted banter between a very wealthy individual and a rather old actor."

"One day, Musk tells me, 'Well, my wealth isn't locked in cash. It's all in shares of various businesses,'" Shatner explained. "So jokingly, I say, 'Well, if you're short a few bucks, I can lend you some money.'"

Instead of accepting the offer, Shatner mentioned that Musk sent him $42 — a nod to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," a number Musk often refers to — via X's financial service.

X Money is currently in a beta phase, with selected users trying out the app. Musk tweeted on February 18 that Shatner's account would be activated "soon."

The product is integral to Musk's larger goal to transform X into an "all-in-one app," which includes a financial services aspect. 

Musk has indicated that the app will provide users with a 6% annual yield — significantly higher than many conventional savings accounts — and announced on Tuesday that public access will "roll out next month."

Shatner, who has organised the Hollywood Charity Horse Show for 35 years to support children and veterans, said he chose to convert the $42 into a fundraising initiative.

"I said, fantastic, I've got $42 from Elon Musk. I'll sell each of those dollars," he mentioned to Business Insider.

Since late February, Shatner has offered beta access to donors in exchange for contributions. For at least $1,000, donors receive $1 from his X Money account, which provides them access to the still-exclusive product.

Shatner initially anticipated raising $42,000.

Instead, the first batch sold out swiftly. Musk sent another $42, and employees connected to xAI contributed more funds, according to Shatner.

"We've sold all of them," Shatner said. "We're nearing $200,000 before the charity event even commences."

Shatner believes the technology might be beneficial to studios — including beautifying actors’ appearances — but warns about what could be lost in the process.

"Hollywood can make my face look less tired than it is," he said. "We are a reflection of both good and bad. We interpret through our emotional memories. Machines don’t have that."