After nearly six decades, George Takei remembers Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig, Chekov: keep navigating a steady course

A friendship spanning decades

Takei shared his remembrance on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with his arm around Koenig. He wrote that they first met aboard the Enterprise in the 1960s and had stayed friends for nearly six decades.

Takei played helmsman Hikaru Sulu, while Koenig portrayed the ship’s navigator, Pavel Chekov. Both actors began their roles in the NBC series and later returned to them in Star Trek films and television shows.

Koenig was best man when Takei and his husband, Brad Takei, married in 2008. Takei also recalled that Koenig’s 90th birthday, September 14, fell on the same day as the couple’s 18th wedding anniversary.

Koenig’s death and career

A statement described Koenig as an actor whose performances reached generations of fans. It highlighted his work as Chekov and said his career beyond Star Trek reflected his range and commitment to acting.

Tribute to a fan favorite

The statement also recalled Koenig’s convention appearances and his interactions with fans, praising his kindness and wit. It said he understood the importance of Star Trek to its audience and welcomed the community around the series.

Takei described Koenig as more than the character Chekov, noting his work as a writer and teacher as well as his friendship. He thanked fans for their longstanding affection for Koenig and said Koenig loved them in return. Takei closed his tribute with a message to his friend: “Keep navigating a steady course.”