“That kind of genuine connection is rare, and it will be remembered by everyone who came into contact with him.”
Star Trek’s beloved Walter Koenig died on Sunday, Oct. 25. Since then, fans and colleagues have shared tributes and memories of the Pavel Chekov actor on social media. And one of the science fiction franchise’s most iconic performers, William Shatner, took to his official Instagram account yesterday (Oct. 27) to pay respects to his Trek co-star by penning the following:
“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.”
Shatner continued by writing the following in the same social media post (below):
“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. My condolences to his family, his friends, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.”
Shatner and Koenig first worked together on Star Trek in The Original Series season 2 episode “Catspaw” (production order), but one of my favorite moments between James T. Kirk and Mr. Chekov came 15 years later in The Wrath of Khan.
I’ll never forget that scene between the Enterprise’s admiral and the Reliant’s first officer while Chekov is under the influence of the deadly Ceti eel and he has his phaser set to kill and pointed right at Kirk.
“Chekov?” Kirk asks as he’s stunned at his friend’s actions.
“I’m sorry, Admiral,” Chekov says sincerely as he desperately tries to fight Khan’s brainwashing efforts.
Sadly, the duo last appeared on the bridge of the USS Enterprise-B together in TNG’s first feature film: Generations which was over 30 years ago. Even more so, I really hate that Shatner and Koenig didn’t have a stronger friendship in real life away from all the Star Trek sets they shared together over the decades.
Unfortunately, those close relationships Star Trek fans enjoy and admire on screen don’t always translate to the real world. However, I’m glad Shatner and Koenig did get to spend some time together while doing the convention circuit, which I know Trekkies and Trekkers will always be thankful for.
Be sure to check out the wonderful tribute fellow Star Trek actor George Takei shared about his good friend along with a recent photo of the two Trek actors, in memory of Koenig.
Plus, for more Star Trek content and to remember the late Walter Koenig, please visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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