One of The Original Series mainstays pays his respects to a fellow Trek legend.
It’s been a difficult week for the Star Trek family after losing both actors Walter Koenig and Sir Patrick Stewart in such a short time frame. And although The Original Series icon George Takei never worked with Stewart within the confines of a Trek film or television series, it’s clear there’s a special place in his heart for the performer who brought Jean-Luc Picard to life on the small and big screens.
Takei paid his respects to Stewart on Instagram by posting a photo (below) of Patrick at the Peabody Awards and by writing the following: “Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend."
Takei continued by writing:
"As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.”
Stewart had the opportunity to work closely with several members of The Original Series cast, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and James Doohan. However, one of the biggest missed opportunities in Star Trek history was the fact that Hikaru Sulu (Takei) never appeared on The Next Generation or in any of TNG’s four feature films.
It’s fantastic that Captain Sulu appeared in the classic Star Trek: Voyager episode “Flashback,” but I would have enjoyed watching Takei taking sides with Jean-Luc and the Enterprise-D crew in some sort of must-see TOS and TNG crossover extravaganza.
I can’t imagine the emotions Takei must be feeling, especially after the loss of his good friend Walter Koenig, who also died earlier this week. If you haven’t yet, please take the time to reach out on social media to those closest to Koenig and Stewart and show your support with a few kind words. And for more Star Trek content, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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