Chekov Remembers Spock: Walter Koenig on Leonard Nimoy

The eulogies for Leonard will be affirmative, loving and respectful. That’s what people confirm after the passing of others, whether or not they draw an accurate picture. It is my honor to say that in this case it’s true; Leonard Nimoy was all those things.

He had great professionalism as an actor. On the set he was consistently the character he played. In fact, I got to know Mr. Spock long before I knew the actor who played him. It was a mark of his integrity that he was so loyal to the role he portrayed. When I finally did get to know the man better, I discovered his compassion, his intelligence and his humanity. All of which laid the foundation for his keen sense of philanthropy.

I was struck by his integrity and his desire to be honest and straightforward in all he did. We were never close friends, but I never stopped believing that if I ever had need for such a friend he would be there.

See the Cast of Star Trek Then and Now

From left: Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto as Mr. SpockCBS/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: William Shatner and Chris Pine as James T. KirkSilver Screen Collection/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: DeForest Kelley and Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoyCBS/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: James Doohan and Simon Pegg as ScottyCBS/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: Nichelle Nichols and Zoe Saldana as Nyota UhuraCBS/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: George Takei and John Cho as Hikaru SuluCBS/Getty Images; Paramount
From left: Walter Koenig and Anton Telchin as Pavel ChekovCBS/Getty Images; Paramount

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