Walter Koenig dies aged 90 as Star Trek co-stars pay tribute

'We stayed friends for nearly six decades'

The actor's family confirmed that he died on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles.

According to Digital Spy's report on the tributes, at his side were his daughter and niece.

Koenig had taken on the navigator role across the original 1960s series and several of the Star Trek films that followed.

George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu alongside him, led the tributes on Instagram.

"Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades," he wrote.

Takei also recalled that Koenig stood beside him as best man when he married Brad Altman in 2008.

Last week, JOE also reported on the death of Star Trek actor Richard Riehle, aged 78.

Why Walter Koenig's death matters to Star Trek fans

Koenig was one of the last surviving members of the original Enterprise crew.

The actor's death closes another chapter for a franchise with a devoted UK following, built up over decades of repeats on British television.

"Walter was more than Chekov," Takei wrote. "He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend."

Other tributes paid to Walter Koenig

Among those who sent condolences was Leonard Nimoy's son, Adam.

He wrote: "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."

Meanwhile, Pokémon voice actor Veronica Taylor added that she had been "so lucky" to know him through years of meeting at comic conventions.

How did Walter Koenig die?

The actor's family revealed that he died at home in Los Angeles on Sunday, as his daughter and niece were present.

No cause of death has been given.

Which Star Trek character did Walter Koenig play?

Across the original 1960s series and several of the Star Trek films, Koenig played Ensign Pavel Chekov, the Enterprise's navigator.