‘Star Trek’s George Takei Pays Tribute To Walter Koenig: “My Heart Is Heavy”

George Takei is paying tribute to his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig after news of his death.

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

“My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today,” Takei posted on Bluesky along with a photo with Koenig. “Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades. When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man.”

Takei continued, “Just last month, on Sept. 14, he turned 90, on the same day Brad and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. I will always treasure that he and I shared that date. 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.”

Zachery McGinnis of Galactic Productions shared on Facebook that Koenig died of natural causes in North Hollywood.

“Walter’s legacy extends far beyond the screen,” McGinnis wrote in part. “Through countless convention appearances and interactions with fans, he shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it.”