Unfortunate news struck Star Trek fans recently when Malíssa Longo confirmed via Facebook that her husband, Aron Eisenberg, passed away on September 21st.
Eisenberg was best known for his portrayal of Nog, a recurring character on Star Trek spinoff Star Trek: Deep Space 9. The character was deeply beloved, appearing in some of the best episodes and being the subject of some of the finest storytelling in the show. When he was cast in the role, Eisenberg was told nothing about the character, and was not told how many episodes he was called for; in fact, in a 2012 interview with StarTrek.com, he revealed that he “thought every episode I was doing might be [his] last episode.” Eisenberg would go on to appear in more than 40 episodes, and would also appear later as Kar in Star Trek: Voyager.
It is with extreme regret and sadness to announce that my love and best friend, Aron Eisenberg, passed away earlier…
Posted by Malíssa Longo on Saturday, September 21, 2019
Beyond his acting, Eisenberg described himself as a “filmmaker and proud father,” and was also a professional photographer.
Co-Stars and fans alike took to Twitter to grieve the loss, reflecting on time spent with Eisenberg and celebrating his life.
We are aching and sorry more than words can ever say. Rest In Peace, @AronEisenberg. We will always love you and Nog?
We love you, Malissa. You are family, and you always will be? https://t.co/yaOXTNbeAy
— Chase Masterson (@ChaseMasterson) September 22, 2019
Aron Eisenberg was an inspiring part of the Star Trek franchise. You’ll be missed.
❤️ you Nog. pic.twitter.com/n4b0JasXJh
— Nerdist (@nerdist) September 22, 2019
[Love] you Nog.
We’re heartbroken to share news of the loss of one of our family. Aron Eisenberg was an enormous positive presence in any situation. Forever kind, caring & deeply thoughtful, Aron was every bit as passionate as he appeared on screen. Our love & gratitude is with him & his family. pic.twitter.com/zbXpAdH5pL
— The DS9 Documentary (@DS9Doc) September 22, 2019
Eisenberg’s death follows years of battling numerous health issues, receiving two separate kidney transplants. In 2015, his second transplanted kidney was donated by a friend named Beth Bernstein, who matched with Eisenberg after only four months on a waiting list.
Eisenberg was 50 years young, and will surely leave a legacy for those who knew him, and the millions of Trekkies who loved him.
