Star Trek’s Last 2 Original Series Captains Pay Heartfelt Tribute To Walter Koenig

Published Oct 28, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT

John Orquiola is a TV Editor, Senior Writer, and Interviewer with a special focus on Star Trek. John has over 5,000 published articles at SR, and he has interviewed the biggest names in Star Trek on the red carpet and VIP events, among other beloved shows, movies, and franchises.

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The last two remaining main actors from Star Trek: The Original Series shared heartfelt tributes to the late Walter Koenig. Famed as Star Trek's Pavel Chekov, Koenig passed away on October 25, 2026, at 90 years old. Koenig's family received an outpouring of condolences. Walter was beloved for decades, not just as Chekov, but for his long and fruitful career as an actor, writer, teacher, and what he meant to the greater Star Trek community.

Walter Koenig joined Star Trek: The Original Series as Mr. Chekov in its second season, partly, Koenig admits, because of his resemblance to The Monkees' Davy Jones, as Star Trek's producers hoped he would attract younger viewers. The navigator of the Starship Enterprise, Chekov took on other roles in the Star Trek movies. Though Chekov never became a captain, he rose to the rank of commander in Star Trek Generations, which was Koenig's final canonical appearance.

William Shatner and George Takei are now the only main actors left from Star Trek: The Original Series, and both are captains. Though Shatner's James T. Kirk was an Admiral in the first four Star Trek movies, history remembers him best as the Captain of the USS Enterprise. Meanwhile, Takei's character is most widely known as a lieutenant and the Enterprise's helmsman, but Hikaru Sulu became Captain of the USS Excelsior in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.

William Shatner’s Tribute To Walter Koenig

William Shatner posted his tribute to Walter Koenig on social media, beginning with how he was "deeply saddened" about Koenig's passing. While Bill admits he and Walter "did not know each other well away from set," he praised the "genuine connection" Koenig had with the greater Star Trek community.

Walter Koenig had a well-documented riff with William Shatner for decades, a grievance shared by many of their fellow Star Trek cast members. Koenig has said that Shatner was "not a friend." However, Walter has also effusively praised Bill's acting. Whether on social media or on his podcast appearances on The 7th Rule, Koenig regularly defended Shatner's acting talent, and appreciated Bill's prowess as a leading man.

Shatner and Koenig actually starred in seven Star Trek movies together, the final being 1994's Star Trek Generations.

For his part, Shatner claimed to neither share nor understand the animosity toward him from his former Star Trek cast mates. However, Bill was closest to Leonard Nimoy, although a rift formed between them that wasn't healed when Nimoy passed away in 2015. Generally, Shatner pursues his myriad interests and tirelessly works, staying out of old beefs from detractors.

For years, Star Trek was not a subject William Shatner liked to discuss. However, the 95-year-old legend has warmed towards the sci-fi franchise that made him world-famous. With Star Trek celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, Mr. Shatner has widely discussed playing Captain Kirk and Star Trek's enduring popularity, and it's gratifying to see Bill give Koenig his honors.

George Takei’s Tribute To Walter Koenig

George Takei was among the first to publicly acknowledge Walter Koenig's passing, sharing a beautiful tribute to his "dear friend" on his social media accounts. Takei also posted a recent photo of his lunch with Koenig, which was one of the last times Walter ate out publicly, according to his friend, Ryan T. Husk, producer of The 7th Rule podcast.

Because they sat next to each other at the controls of the Starship Enterprise for dozens of Star Trek episodes, fans often think of Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekov as a team. The 89-year-old Takei's memories of Koenig are gratifying because they confirm that he and Walter truly were friends in real life as well. Walter was even George's best man at his wedding.

George also shared another extra special connection to Walter: Takei and his husband, Brad, married on September 14, 2008, which was Koenig's birthday. Takei also reminded his audience that Koenig was "more than Chekov," acknowledging Walter as "a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend."

Walter Koenig is immortal as Mr. Chekov and his impact on Star Trek will never be forgotten. The Starship Enterprise wasn't complete until Chekov joined, and Koenig shines as a magnetic screen presence.

With Walter Koenig's passing, the final two captains from the original Star Trek are all that remain of the icons who launched Gene Roddenberry's forever franchise.

Star Trek: The Original Series is streaming on Paramount+