William Shatner Remembers ‘Star Trek’ Co-Star Walter Koenig

William Shatner today paid tribute to his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig after news of the latter’s recent death.

The actor who originated the role of Ensign Pavel Chekov in the sci-fi series died at 90, and his former co-star, who played Captain Kirk, took to social media to remember him.

Shatner expressed sadness at Keonig’s passing, even while admitting they didn’t know each other well. That did not keep the captain from praising the kindness of one of the longest-serving members of the Enterprise crew.

“What I observed, and what so many fans have expressed over the years,” wrote Shatner, “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.”

Shatner concluded with 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 bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades,” wrote Takei. “Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful 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. Keep navigating a steady course.”