William Shatner has paid tribute to his late Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig, saying he was “deeply saddened” to learn of his death at the age of 90.
Koenig, who played Russian crewman Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original 1960s sci-fi series, died at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday night, according to his talent agency, Galactic Productions.
His death was announced in a Facebook post that remembered Koenig’s legacy and career as full of “talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances”, which left a “lasting mark on generations of fans around the world”.
Shatner’s tribute
Shatner, 95, who played Captain James T Kirk in the franchise, wrote on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to learn of Walter Koenig’s passing.
“Although we did not know each other well away from the set, we shared the later seasons of the original Star Trek series and the six films that followed.
“What I observed, and what so many fans have expressed over the years, was a man who genuinely loved the Star Trek community.
“At conventions, Walter was rarely content to remain behind a signing table. He preferred to be among the people who had kept Star Trek alive for so many decades.
“That kind of genuine connection is rare, and it will be remembered by everyone who came into contact with him.
“My condolences to his family, his friends, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
Co-stars’ memories
Tributes have also come from Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall, who appeared in the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as Lieutenant Valeris. She wrote on Instagram: “Rest well dear Walter. It was a pleasure sharing the bridge with you.”
George Takei, 89, who played USS Enterprise helmsman Hikaru Sulu, said his “heart is heavy” and remembered Koenig as a “thoughtful man” and a “loyal friend”.
“Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades,” Takei wrote on Instagram.
“When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man.
“Just last month, on September 14, he turned 90, on the same day Brad and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. I will always treasure that he and I shared that date.
“Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course.”
TV director Adam Nimoy, son of the late Leonard Nimoy, who played the half-Vulcan science officer Mr Spock, posted a picture of Koenig from one of his “favourite” episodes and wrote: “So sad to hear about the loss of Walter Koenig.
“Such a nice guy and when we were on the convention circuit together a pleasure to hang out with.
“Here he is with Celeste Yarnall in The Apple, one of my favourites of the oddball episodes. Farewell.”
Career and legacy
Koenig joined Star Trek for its second series in 1967, starring alongside Takei, Nimoy and Shatner. He reprised his role as the young Russian navigator in seven Star Trek films and wrote a book about the series titled Chekov’s Enterprise, published in 1980.
He continued to appear on sci-fi fans’ screens in the 1990s, starring as villainous psychic Alfred Bester in the series Babylon 5. Koenig also appeared in films such as Moontrap and Drawing Down The Moon, and later turned his hand to directing, writing and teaching.
He kept making regular appearances at fan conventions and voiced the son of his original character in the final season of Star Trek: Picard in 2023.
Koenig was married to actress Judy Levitt, who died in 2022. Their son, Andrew, died in 2010, and Koenig is survived by their daughter, Danielle.
