Star Trek: The Original Series, a true titan of science fiction, first graced our screens on September 8th, 1966. Though its initial three-season run wasn’t an instant smash hit, its magic truly blossomed in syndication, capturing hearts and minds during reruns in the 70s and 80s. Fast forward to today, and the show remains a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless spin-off series like *Star Trek: Enterprise*, *Star Trek: Picard*, and *Star Trek: Discovery*, and even a thrilling new season of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* for fans to enjoy.
But before all the adaptations and new frontiers, there was the original crew, the space troopers who boldly went where no one had gone before. These actors, in their own right, became superstars, creating characters that would define an era and etch themselves into the very fabric of pop culture. They formed a bond with audiences that transcended the television screen, building a cult following that ensured *Star Trek*’s survival and enduring legacy long after its initial cancellation in 1969.
As decades have passed, we’ve sadly bid farewell to many beloved members of that iconic cast, including Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) in 2022, Leonard Nimoy (Spock) in 2015, DeForest Kelley (Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy) in 1999, and James Doohan (Scotty) in 2005. Yet, some still stand, living legends who continue to inspire. So, let’s take a deep dive into the extraordinary lives and incredible journeys of the only three main cast members from *Star Trek: The Original Series* who are still with us today: William Shatner, George Takei, and Walter Koenig. Get ready to explore their incredible careers, their lasting impact, and what they’re up to now!
1. **William Shatner: Captain Kirk’s Enduring Legacy & Franchise Evolution** When the final frontier called, William Shatner answered as Captain James T. Kirk, helming the USS Enterprise with an unforgettable swagger. Though his initial run as captain ended in 1969 with the show’s cancellation, his role in the *Star Trek* franchise was far from over. He basically re-launched his career by starring in 1979’s *Star Trek: The Motion Picture*.
This pivotal moment propelled him back into the captain’s chair for a further six films in the franchise, solidifying his status as the definitive Kirk for generations of fans. He continued to reprise his role regularly until 1994’s *Star Trek Generations*, marking a significant tenure in one of sci-fi’s most beloved universes. Shatner even took the helm literally, directing one of the *Star Trek* movies: *Star Trek V: The Final Frontier*.
His involvement wasn’t limited to live-action; he briefly returned to voice Kirk for *Star Trek: The Animated Series*. This continuous presence ensured that the spirit and character of Captain Kirk, as embodied by Shatner, remained a vibrant and evolving part of the franchise for decades, captivating both original fans and new audiences alike. His short run on *Star Trek* the TV show only jump-started a much longer journey with the character.
2. **William Shatner: Beyond the Enterprise: Iconic Roles & Mainstream Success** While Captain Kirk is undeniably his most famous role, William Shatner’s acting career extends far beyond the confines of the starship Enterprise. He was already a fairly well-known television actor before *Star Trek*, and his success only continued to flourish afterward, showcasing his versatility across various genres. His IMDB page boasts an astonishing over 240 acting credits, truly making him a mainstay in the television and film industry.
In the 1980s, he found further widespread fame starring as the titular police officer in the popular procedural *T.J. Hooker*, a role that cemented his presence on mainstream television. He also narrated *Rescue 911*, a show consisting of dramatic reenactments of real crimes, further diversifying his public persona. Fans will also recognize him from his role as a pageant host in *Miss Congeniality*, demonstrating his comedic timing.
Perhaps one of his most celebrated post-Trek roles came as attorney Denny Crane in *The Practice* and its spin-off, *Boston Legal*. For this memorable portrayal, he deservedly won two Emmys, showcasing his enduring talent and ability to captivate audiences with new, compelling characters. More recently, he traveled the world in the reality show *Better Late Than Never*, experiencing different cultures alongside Henry Winkler, George Foreman, and Terry Bradshaw, proving he’s always up for an adventure. He’s still acting to this day, with a new series and a new movie in post-production.
3. **William Shatner: A Journey to the Stars, Literally: Shatner’s Space Flight** For an actor who famously explored the final frontier on screen, William Shatner took his legacy to an entirely new dimension in 2021. He became the oldest person to go into space, achieving a lifelong dream at the age of 90. This historic event saw him fly on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, experiencing a sub-orbital flight that took him beyond the Kármán line.
However, his trip left him with a profoundly unexpected take on the experience. Rather than solely deepening his love of space, his journey made him reflect deeply on the fragility of life on Earth. It was a poignant moment that transcended celebrity, offering a universal message about our planet’s preciousness.
This incredible personal odyssey further cemented his place not just as a pop culture icon, but as someone who has literally touched the stars he once pretended to explore. It was a remarkable capstone to a career dedicated to the wonders of science fiction, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in the most extraordinary way. His physical journey beyond Earth resonated globally.
4. **William Shatner: Renaissance Man: Author, Musician, Director** William Shatner’s creative talents extend far beyond acting; he is truly a renaissance man, having delved into writing, music, and directing with notable success. He has authored multiple books throughout his career, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, offering fans deeper insights into his mind and experiences. His 2016 book, *Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man*, provided a touching tribute to his *Star Trek* co-star Leonard Nimoy.
Beyond memoirs, Shatner even launched his own modestly successful sci-fi book series titled *TekWar* in 1989, though it was ghost-written by Ron Goulart. This venture into fiction demonstrated his continued passion for the genre that made him famous. His directorial efforts weren’t limited to *Star Trek V: The Final Frontier*; he also helmed several documentaries about *Star Trek*, including *The Captains* and *Chaos on the Bridge*, offering an insider’s perspective on the franchise.
And who could forget his unique foray into music? He released several notorious albums of speak-singing, an unconventional yet distinctly Shatnerian approach to recording. These diverse creative outputs showcase a man continuously exploring different avenues of artistic expression, always pushing boundaries and engaging with his passions, proving he is far more than just an actor.
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5. **William Shatner: Accolades and Convention Circuit: Celebrating a Storied Career** A career as expansive and impactful as William Shatner’s is bound to be decorated with numerous accolades, and he has certainly received his fair share of prestigious awards. On February 2nd, 2025, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd Saturn Awards ceremony, a recognition that celebrated his huge involvement in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. This award underscored his profound influence on genre entertainment.
Beyond this, his two Emmy wins in 2004 and 2005 for his role as Denny Crane in *The Practice* and *Boston Legal* stand as testament to his acting prowess and ability to reinvent himself with critically acclaimed performances. An avid equestrian enthusiast, he has also won a few horseback riding awards, adding another unexpected achievement to his impressive resume. Shatner is spry for 92, and still very active.
Even at 94, Shatner is still very much in the public eye. He makes frequent appearances at sci-fi and comic book conventions, where fans eagerly await autographs and anecdotes from across many decades of interaction with the *Trek* franchise. While stories have circulated about him occasionally being spiky at cons, he has clearly embraced them, even stating that fans are the future of anything so deeply beloved as *Star Trek*. He’s also nearing the end of his nationwide tour, *William Shatner: Live on Stage*, where *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan* is screened, proving his enduring connection with his audience.
6. **George Takei: From Helmsman to Activist: A Voice for Change** George Takei, known to *Star Trek* fans as the practical and intelligent Hikaru Sulu, has become just as celebrated for his powerful voice off-screen as he is for his acting. Born Hosato Takei in Los Angeles in 1937, his childhood experiences of being rounded up and imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp during World War II profoundly shaped his later commitment to social justice. It was this formative experience, perhaps, that made Takei as politically active as he is.
In 2005, he made headlines when he publicly came out as gay, revealing that he and his partner, Brad Altman, had been in a committed relationship for 18 years. This announcement was a direct response to then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s veto of a gay marriage bill in California, sparking Takei’s passionate advocacy. He and Altman married in 2008, becoming one of the first same-sex couples to be granted a marriage license in West Hollywood, California.
Since then, Takei has been an outspoken queer rights activist, raising money for charities and speaking at charity events regularly, advocating for equal rights with unwavering conviction. He’s also become well-known for his incredibly popular social media presence, where he consistently engages with fans and uses his platform to champion various causes. His vocal opposition to political figures like President Trump further highlights his dedication to speaking out against injustice, cementing his legacy as a true advocate for change. He makes appearances at fan conventions on the regular, connecting with supporters.
7. **George Takei: A Diverse Acting Repertoire** While his activism and iconic Star Trek role are widely celebrated, George Takei’s acting career is incredibly rich and varied, showcasing a versatility that kept him in demand across multiple genres and platforms. After his initial run as Ensign Sulu, he continued to grace television screens with guest-starring roles in numerous series, proving his range beyond the sci-fi realm. His IMDB page proudly lists over 225 acting credits, a testament to his prolific and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
He made appearances in well-known television series such as *The Six Million Dollar Man*, *Ironside*, and *Kung Fu*, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different storytelling styles. Takei also lent his distinctive deep voice to a multitude of animated programs, securing regular contributions to dozens of shows. Most recently, fans could hear him in Max’s *Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai*, further solidifying his status as a sought-after voice actor.
Beyond traditional acting, Takei even ventured into the world of reality television, making memorable appearances on shows like *The Apprentice* and *I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!* These stints allowed audiences to see a different side of his dynamic personality. He also began co-writing projects as early as 1979, with works like *Mirror Friend* and *Mirror Foe*, showcasing his narrative talents, which also extended to co-writing a graphic novel, as we’ll discuss further.
8. **George Takei: Bearing Witness: The Internment Camp Story and its Artistic Expression** One of the most profound aspects of George Takei’s life, and one that he has powerfully shared with the world, is his childhood experience in Japanese internment camps during World War II. Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Takei, along with his family, was rounded up and imprisoned, a traumatic period that deeply influenced his lifelong commitment to social justice and human rights. He recalls being held against his will by the U.S. government as a child, an experience that forged his strong political voice.
This pivotal part of his history became the cornerstone for significant artistic and literary endeavors. In 2019, Takei authored a poignant graphic novel that vividly recounted his childhood experiences of imprisonment, making this challenging history accessible to a new generation. This powerful narrative serves as a vital educational tool and a deeply personal testament to resilience in the face of injustice, embodying his belief in bearing witness to history.
Furthermore, his experiences inspired the 2012 musical *Allegiance*, in which he also starred. This musical brought his personal story to the Broadway stage, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with the struggles faced by Japanese Americans during that era. It was a groundbreaking production that transformed his pain into a powerful message of hope and remembrance, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. The impact of his life story continues to resonate, shaping conversations about civil liberties and prejudice.
9. **Walter Koenig: Chekov’s Continuous Voyage: Reprising the Role** Walter Koenig joined the cast of *Star Trek: The Original Series* in its second season, bringing to life the character of Ensign Pavel Chekov, a youthful and energetic navigator with a distinctive Russian accent. While his career didn’t ‘explode’ immediately after the show’s initial run, his connection to the *Star Trek* universe proved to be a steadfast anchor, bringing him back to his iconic role repeatedly over the decades. He was never anything less than 100% committed to his character, reacting to extreme sci-fi scenarios with fire and aplomb.
Fans were delighted to see Koenig reprise his role as Chekov in all of the subsequent films in the *Star Trek* franchise, a testament to his enduring portrayal and the character’s popularity. He appeared in seven of the franchise’s films, a remarkable continuity that allowed audiences to grow with Chekov over many years. This commitment ensured that his character remained a beloved part of the *Star Trek* cinematic universe, bridging the gap between the TV series and the big screen adventures.
His iconic Russian accent, which he famously developed for Chekov, also found a new life beyond live-action. Koenig used this distinctive voice to portray the character in several *Trek*-inspired video games, bringing Chekov to an interactive medium for new generations of fans. More recently, he even provided a voice cameo in the most recent season of *Star Trek: Picard* and reprised his role in the semi-professional and well-respected fan series *Star Trek: New Voyages*, demonstrating his deep and lasting connection to the character and the franchise.
10. **Walter Koenig: Expanding Horizons: Writing, Directing, Teaching** Walter Koenig’s talents extend far beyond his memorable acting roles; he’s a true multi-hyphenate, having explored various creative avenues including writing, directing, and even teaching. After his initial run on *Star Trek*, he continued to work in television, but he also expanded his creative skills by delving into other artistic endeavors. This pursuit of diverse interests showcases a dedication to the arts in a broader sense, not just performance.
He roguishly became an acting teacher, sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge with aspiring performers. This role allowed him to mentor and shape new talent, passing on the wisdom gained from decades in the industry. Beyond the classroom, he also tried his hand at directing plays, bringing his vision and storytelling prowess to the stage, further demonstrating his capabilities behind the camera (or curtain, in this case).
Koenig is also a published author, having written novels and worked on the re-release of his autobiography. His writing credits aren’t limited to his personal story; he was also known for writing films such as *Land of the Lost*, *Family*, and *The Powers of Matthew Star*. This foray into screenwriting and literature truly highlights his comprehensive artistic mind, proving he’s a storyteller in many forms. According to his Twitter, he’s actively working on the re-release of his autobiography, offering fans even more insight into his fascinating life.
11. **Walter Koenig: Another Sci-Fi Icon: The Babylon 5 Era** While Walter Koenig will forever be synonymous with *Star Trek*’s Pavel Chekov, he carved out a significant niche for himself in another beloved science fiction universe, *Babylon 5*. This recurring role allowed him to showcase a different facet of his acting talent, stepping into a character that was a stark contrast to the youthful, earnest Chekov. It’s a testament to his versatility that he became an icon in two major sci-fi franchises.
In *Babylon 5*, Koenig played the more antagonistic Psi Cop Alfred Bester from 1994-98, a role that was well-received by fans and critics alike. This character, a powerful and morally ambiguous telepath, allowed Koenig to explore deeper, darker complexities, demonstrating his range as an actor. His portrayal was so compelling that Bester became one of the series’ most memorable and impactful antagonists.
This significant recurring role cemented his status not just as a *Star Trek* legend, but as a respected figure in the wider science fiction community. It showed that he was more than capable of stepping outside his most famous role and delivering powerful, nuanced performances in other epic sagas. Beyond this, as a voice actor, he also had a recurring role in the animated series *Stretch Armstrong & the Flex Fighters* and dabbled in amusing B-movies like *Mad Cowgirl* and *Scream of the Bikini*.
12. **Walter Koenig: Enduring Friendships and Family** Beyond his professional achievements, Walter Koenig’s life has been rich with personal connections and enduring relationships. He was married to the talented actress Judy Levitt from 1965 until her passing in 2022, a partnership that spanned decades. Together, they built a family, having two children: a daughter named Danielle and a son, Andrew, who sadly passed away in 2010. These personal aspects of his life reveal a man deeply rooted in family and love.
His relationships with his *Star Trek* co-stars also extended beyond the set, forging bonds that lasted a lifetime. In a heartwarming display of their enduring friendship, Walter Koenig served as the best man at his co-star George Takei’s wedding to Brad Altman in 2008. This special reunion at such a significant personal event underscores the deep camaraderie that formed among the original cast members, showing that their on-screen adventures translated into real-life friendship.
Koenig is known to be an advocate for civil rights, having visited refugee camps in Burma, further highlighting his compassionate nature and commitment to humanitarian causes. He also continues to appear at conventions, happy to talk about his various projects and acting endeavors. Though he’s recently turned 87, he still connects with fans, sharing stories from a storied career, though fans are kindly requested not to ask him to say ‘nuclear wessels’ – the man deserves a break!
And there you have it, a cosmic journey through the incredible lives of the last three main cast members of *Star Trek: The Original Series*. From Captain Kirk’s literal space flight to Lieutenant Sulu’s unwavering activism and Ensign Chekov’s multi-faceted creative career, these legends have not only etched their names into the annals of science fiction but have continued to inspire, challenge, and entertain us for decades. Their stories are a vibrant reminder that the spirit of exploration, integrity, and humanity that defined the Enterprise crew lives on, boldly going where no one has gone before, in life as much as in fiction. They truly are pop culture icons whose journeys continue to enrich our world, proving that even after 57 years, the *Star Trek* legacy, and its original stars, still shine brighter than ever.
