Star Trek icon William Shatner broke his silence on his former co-star Walter Koenig's death, after the actor passed away from natural causes on Sunday.
William, who worked with the 90-year-old over almost three decades across the original Star Trek series and several feature films, took to social media to share that he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of his friend.
William Shatner's touching tribute
© CBS via Getty Images"I am deeply saddened to learn of Walter Koenig's passing," he began. "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."
"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," William continued.
© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via"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," the star concluded.
Saying goodbye to Walter Koenig
William portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, which ran from 1966 to 1969, while Walter played Russian crew member Ensign Pavel Chekov. He joined the cast in season two of the show, and reprised his role in six Star Trek movies between 1979 and 1991.
Walter passed away from natural causes on Sunday night, and tributes have poured in from friends, fans and other co-stars. George Takei, who portrayed Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, remembered Walter as a "thoughtful man" and a "loyal friend".
© Instagram"My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today," he wrote on social media. "Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades."
"When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man," George continued. "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." The actor went on to describe his friend as "a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend."
© Getty Images"To the fans who loved him for so many years, thank you. He loved you too. Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course," George concluded. Adam Nimoy, the son of Star Trek icon Leonard Nimoy (Spock), also paid tribute to the father of two.
"So sad to hear about the loss of Walter Koenig. Such a nice guy, and when we were on the convention circuit together, a pleasure to hang out with…Farewell." Walter is survived by his daughter, Danielle, and sadly lost his son, Andrew, in 2010.
