Star Trek actor William Shatner ‘deeply saddened’ at death of Walter Koenig

William Shatner has remembered his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig and said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of his death aged 90.Koenig, who starred in the original 1960s sci-fi series as Russian crewman Ensign Pavel Chekov, died at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday night, according to his talent agency, Galactic Productions.His death was announced in a Facebook post which remembered Koenig’s legacy and career as being full of “talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances” which left a “lasting mark on generations of fans around the world”.Shatner, 95, who played Captain James T Kirk in the franchise, wrote in a post on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to learn of Walter Koenig’s passing.“Although we did not know each other well away from the set, we shared the later seasons of the original Star Trek series and the six films that followed.“What I observed, and what so many fans have expressed over the years, was a man who genuinely loved the Star Trek community.“At conventions, Walter was rarely content to remain behind a signing table. He preferred to be among the people who had kept Star Trek alive for so many decades.“That kind of genuine connection is rare, and it will be remembered by everyone who came into contact with him.William Shatner played Captain Kirk in Star Trek the original series (Joe Giddens/PA)PA Archive“My condolences to his family, his friends, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”Tributes have poured in for the actor including from Sex And The City star Kim Cattrall, who appeared in the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, as Lieutenant Valeris.She wrote on Instagram: “Rest well dear Walter.“It was a pleasure sharing the bridge with you.”Meanwhile George Takei, 89, who played USS Enterprise helmsman Hikaru Sulu in the hit sci-fi series, said his “heart is heavy” and remembered the star as being a “thoughtful man” and a “loyal friend”.“Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades,” he wrote on Instagram.Read More“When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man.“Just last month, on September 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.“Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course.”TV director Adam Nimoy, the son of the late Leonard Nimoy – who played the half-Vulcan science officer Mr Spock in Star Trek, posted a snap of Koenig from one of his “favourite” episodes of the sci-fi series and wrote: “So sad to hear about the loss of Walter Koenig.“Such a nice guy and when we were on the convention circuit together a pleasure to hang out with.“Here he is with Celeste Yarnall in The Apple, one of my favourites of the oddball episodes. Farewell.”Koenig joined Star Trek for its second series in 1967, starring alongside Takei, Nimoy and Shatner.He reprised his role as the young Russian navigator in seven Star Trek films and wrote a book about the series titled Chekov’s Enterprise, which was published in 1980.He also continued to appear on sci-fi fans’ screens in the 1990s, starring as villainous psychic Alfred Bester in hit series Babylon 5.Koenig appeared in films such as Moontrap and Drawing Down The Moon, and turned his hand to directing, writing and teaching in the later years of his career.He continued to honour his Star Trek legacy with regular appearances at fan conventions and also voiced the son of his original character in the final season of Star Trek: Picard in 2023.Koenig was married to actress Judy Levitt, who died in 2022.Their son, Andrew, died in 2010, and he is survived by their daughter, Danielle.