William Shatner today paid tribute to his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig following news of the latter’s recent death.
The actor who originated the role of Ensign Pavel Chekov in the sci-fi series has died at age 90 and his former co-star, who played Captain Kirk, took to social media to remember him.
Shatner expressed sadness over Keonig’s passing, while admitting they didn’t know each other well. That didn’t stop the captain from praising the kindness of one of the oldest members of the Enterprise crew.
“What I observed, and what so many fans have expressed over the years,” Shatner wrote, “was a man who genuinely loved the Star Trek community. At conventions, Walter was rarely content to stay 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 everyone who came into contact with him will remember it.”
Shatner concluded by offering his condolences to “Koenig’s family, his friends and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
Yesterday, George Takei, who as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu sat at the navigation controls with Koenig’s Chekov, shared his own thoughts.
“Walter and I met on the deck of the Enterprise in the 1960s and remained friends for nearly six decades,” Takei wrote. “Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a caring man and a loyal friend. To the fans who loved him for so many years, thank you. He loved you too. Rest well, my dear friend. Continue sailing on a steady course.”
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