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William Shatner Pays Tribute to ‘Star Trek’ Co-Star Walter Koenig: “Deeply Saddened”
William Shatner has paid tribute to Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig, who died aged 90. Shatner said he was deeply saddened and recalled Koenig’s warmth towards the fans who sustained the series’ community.
Koenig died of natural causes at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday, according to his representative. He joined Star Trek: The Original Series as Ensign Pavel Chekov in its second season in 1967, and later appeared with Shatner in six films; George Takei also remembered him as a thoughtful man and loyal friend.
In short
- Walter Koenig died aged 90 at his home in North Hollywood.
- William Shatner remembered their years on Star Trek and its films.
- George Takei praised Koenig’s connection with fans.
Explained simply
Star Trek is a science-fiction franchise that began with a television series in the 1960s and later expanded into films and other programmes. The original series followed the crew of the starship Enterprise, led by Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner.
Walter Koenig joined the cast in the second season as Pavel Chekov, a young officer aboard the Enterprise. He went on to appear in six Star Trek films alongside Shatner and other original cast members, including George Takei.
The series developed a large, lasting fan community, and its cast remained closely associated with it. Tributes from fellow actors reflect both Koenig’s place in the franchise and the relationships formed among its cast.