Brief
William Shatner mourns death of Star Trek co‑star Walter Koenig
Shatner, Kim Cattrall and George Takei shared tributes after Koenig died at his North Hollywood home.
By Felo News Desk · Published
William Shatner posted on Instagram that he is "deeply saddened" by the death of his Star Trek co‑star Walter Koenig, who died at age 90 at his North Hollywood home on Sunday, according to his talent agency Galactic Productions.
What happened
Koenig, best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original 1960s series and its six subsequent films, passed away on October 26, 2026. The announcement came via a Facebook post that praised his talent, warmth and lasting impact on generations of fans.
What the reports add
The Standard notes that Shatner, 95, recalled sharing the later seasons of the original series and all six films with Koenig, adding that Koenig "genuinely loved the Star Trek community" and was rarely content to stay behind a signing table at conventions. The article also records tributes from Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall, who remembered sharing the bridge on the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and from George Takei, 89, who described Koenig as a "thoughtful man" and "loyal friend". Takei recalled that Koenig stood as best man at his 2008 wedding and that they shared a birthday on September 14, when Koenig turned 90.
What was said
Shatner wrote, "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." (Standard)
Cattrall posted, "Rest well dear Walter. It was a pleasure sharing the bridge with you." (Standard)
Takei said, "My heart is heavy. Walter was a thoughtful man, a loyal friend. 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 we shared that date. Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course." (Standard)
How it came about
Koenig first joined the Star Trek franchise in 1967, appearing alongside Takei, Leonard Nimoy and Shatner. He later wrote a book, Chekov’s Enterprise, in 1980 and appeared in the 1990s series Babylon 5 as villainous psychic Alfred Bester. Shatner’s recent activities include the debut of his documentary The Sixty‑Year Mission at New York Comic‑Con on October 12, 2026, and a spoken‑word album co‑produced by Brad Paisley released in October 2026. These recent projects kept Shatner in the public eye, prompting his heartfelt Instagram tribute after Koenig’s death.
Key facts
- Walter Koenig died at age 90 at his North Hollywood home on October 26, 2026. (standard.co.uk)
- William Shatner posted an Instagram tribute saying he was deeply saddened by Koenig’s passing. (standard.co.uk)
- Kim Cattrall and George Takei also posted tributes on Instagram. (standard.co.uk)
- Koenig was best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series and six films. (standard.co.uk)
- Koenig wrote the book "Chekov’s Enterprise" in 1980 and later appeared in Babylon 5. (standard.co.uk)
