Charisma Madarang
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George Takei and Walter Koenig in the original 'Star Trek' series. Getty Images George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu on the original Star Trek series, remembered his co-star Walter Koenig in a tribute on Monday. Koenig, who portrayed Ensign Pavel Chekov, died Sunday at the age of 90.
In post shared to social media, Takei recalled the first time meeting Koenig, their friendship, and how Koenig served as the best man at his wedding. “My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today,” began Takei. “Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades.”
He continued, “When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man. Just last month, on Sept. 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.”
Beyond his role as Chekov, Takei celebrated Koenig as “a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend.” He added, “To the fans who loved him for so many years, thank you. He loved you too.”
Before ending his post, Takei wrote, “Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course.”
