George Takei has paid tribute to his Star Trek co-star and longtime friend Walter Koenig, who died at his home in North Hollywood, California, aged 90.
Koenig died on Sunday October 25. His representative attributed the death to old age, although no specific medical cause has been disclosed.
He was best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov, the Russian navigator aboard the Enterprise. Takei remembered their friendship in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today.”
The pair met while working on Star Trek in the 1960s and remained close for nearly six decades. Koenig was also best man when Takei married Brad in 2008.
“Just last month, on Sept. 14, he turned 90, on the same day Brad and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary,” Takei wrote. “I will always treasure that he and I shared that date.”
Takei said Koenig was “more than Chekov”, describing him as a “writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend”.
He also thanked the Star Trek actor’s fans, writing: “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.”
