George Takei Honors Walter Koenig: 'Star Trek' Co-Star Dies at 90
Actor George Takei shared a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and fellow 'Star Trek' cast member Walter Koenig, who died Monday at the age of 90.
George Takei has honored his longtime friend and fellow "Star Trek" cast member Walter Koenig, who died Monday at the age of 90. Koenig was best known for his role as Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original "Star Trek" television series and in several subsequent films.
Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu on the series, shared his grief in a Facebook post shortly after Koenig's death became public. "My heart is heavy," Takei wrote, reflecting on their nearly six-decade friendship that began on the set of "Star Trek."
He recalled meeting Koenig on the bridge of the USS Enterprise in the 1960s and noted that Koenig served as his best man when he married Brad Altman in 2008. Takei also shared that both he and Altman celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on September 14, the same day Koenig turned 90.
Beyond his iconic "Star Trek" role, Takei remembered Koenig as "a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend." He expressed gratitude to Koenig's fans for their years of support, stating that Koenig reciprocated their affection.
Koenig's passing leaves Takei and William Shatner as the only surviving principal cast members from the original "Star Trek" series. As of Monday afternoon, Shatner had not publicly commented on Koenig's death.