Walter Koenig’s Death at 90 Prompts Tribute From George Takei and Star Trek Legends
Friends recall a lasting bond
George Takei shared a recent photo with Koenig and reflected on their six decades of friendship. Koenig served as best man at Takei’s 2008 wedding. Takei remembered Koenig as “a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend.” David Gerrold, who wrote several Star Trek episodes, called him “a good friend and a very talented actor.”
Tributes from Star Trek colleagues
Terry Matalas, showrunner of Star Trek: Picard, brought Koenig in to play Federation President Anton Chekov, Pavel’s son, in the season finale. Matalas described him as “one of the sweetest, kindest humans I’ve ever worked with.” Todd Stashwick, a Picard actor and Koenig’s longtime neighbor, remembered a “sweet, talented, big hearted man.” Adam Nimoy, son of Koenig’s longtime co-star Leonard Nimoy, said Koenig was “a pleasure to hang out with.” Cirroc Lofton, who played Jake Sisko on Deep Space Nine and interviewed Koenig on his podcast The 7th Rule, called him “a truly kind and lovable gentle man.” Lofton said Koenig expressed his values through his work and words.
A career beyond Chekov
Koenig played Chekov in two seasons of Star Trek: The Original Series and seven Star Trek feature films. He also had a recurring role as Alfred Bester on Babylon 5, a stark contrast to the heroic Chekov. Bill Mumy, a fellow Babylon 5 guest star known for The Twilight Zone and Lost in Space, sent Koenig “love and respect” on his “new adventure.” Claudia Christian, another Babylon 5 co-star, called him “bold, funny and deadly serious about his craft.”
Key points
- Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov, died at 90.
- George Takei recalled six decades of friendship with Koenig.
- Colleagues praised Koenig’s kindness and talent across Star Trek and Babylon 5.
- Koenig played Alfred Bester on Babylon 5, beyond his best-known Star Trek role.