DS9’s Aron Eisenberg Dead at 50
Actor Aron Eisenberg, perhaps best known for his role at Nog on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, has passed away at age 50.
Eisenberg’s wife, Malissa Longo, posted the news on Eisenberg’s Facebook page last night:
On Saturday, reports surfaced on social media that Eisenberg was in critical condition after being hospitalized. No details were available, but many have speculated that it may have been connected to his 2015 kidney transplant, his second. Eisenberg had been born with only one partially functioning kidney. He received his first kidney transplant at age 17.
Eisenberg’s kidney condition limited his height to five feet, which made him a perfect fit to play the Ferengi Nog on Deep Space Nine. At first the mischievous nephew of Quark, Nog soon became a fan favorite, and the character became the first Ferengi in Starfleet, having a Dominion War story arc that gave Eisenberg plenty of room to flex his acting chops.
Along with his co-star Cirroc Lofton (who played Jake Sisko), Eisenberg hosted The 7th Rule, a video podcast dedicated to their time on Star Trek. Eisenberg also hosted a show with Star Trek: Voyager‘s Garrett Wang and Big Brother‘s”Evel Dick” Donato.
Our beloved friend and brother, Aron Eisenberg, has passed away today. Please keep his wife, Malissa, and family in your thoughts and send them all your love. He will be missed more than anything- his heart, his laugh, his smile- and we cherish every single moment we had with him pic.twitter.com/gRurjuIshy
— The 7th Rule: A Star Trek Podcast (@7thRule) September 22, 2019
Very sad to hear of the passing of my Star Trek brother Aron Eisenberg. Found this video from @DragonCon 2016 that I took of him doing what he loved to do: entertain fans. I will remember him most for his humor and sharp wit. Rest In Peace Aron. You will be missed pic.twitter.com/H9QBEFQpAD
— Garrett Wang (@GarrettRWang) September 22, 2019
Eisenberg participated in the documentary What We Left Behind, which included a “writers room” story session about what Deep Space Nine would be like if it came back. Executive producers Ira Steven Behr, Ronald D. Moore, Robert Hewitt Wolfe, René Echevarria, and Hans Beimler came up with an idea that would have meant dire consequences for Captain Nog, to which Eisenberg responded with the appropriate amount of mock outrage.
In reality, however, Eisenberg is described by many as having been an engaging and endearing individual. Many fans are sharing their encounters with him at conventions, saying he was thoughtful, intelligent, considerate, and funny in person.
Eisenberg’s Star Trek colleagues have been posting tributes:
I have lost a great friend and the world has lost a great heart @AronEisenberg He was a man of conviction and enormous sensitivity and the best of humanity. Kitty and I grieve for Aron, his boys, and Malissa. Flights of angels my friend…you will be missed. There are no words… https://t.co/Q18yIVeZEe
— Armin Shimerman (@ShimermanArmin) September 22, 2019
@AronEisenberg was a friend of mine. Tonight it’s hard to think of anything else except maybe to be reminded that all we have is each other to hold on to, to see us through, to give meaning to our lives. It’s going to be a long night.
— Ira Steven Behr (@IraStevenBehr) September 22, 2019
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
This sweet spirit. I knew all this to be absolutely true. One of the bravest people I knew. I am devastated. Sending love to everyone who loved him and his family. https://t.co/7VFYFR2qkY
— Nana Visitor (@NanaVisitor) September 22, 2019
Heartbreaking news. #DS9’s @AronEisenberg has passed away. Aron delt with health issues his whole life but never let that stop him from living it to the fullest. He was a talented actor and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed. https://t.co/ShMWZbNCy0
— Robert Hewitt Wolfe (@writergeekrhw) September 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/Marina_Sirtis/status/1175771735410368512
'Star Trek: DS9' actor Aron Eisenberg, who played Nog, dead at 50, rep https://t.co/dKZMuWMn1d. Bless his sweet soul🖖🏾
— Jonathan Frakes (@jonathansfrakes) September 22, 2019
Remembering our friend and colleague, Aron Eisenberg, who left us yesterday (Saturday) at age 50. You inspired us with your optimism and your belief in a better tomorrow for all.https://t.co/cvc8ADOJCC
— Michael Okuda (@MikeOkuda) September 22, 2019
And now to this #startrek generation, a shock to us all: #RIPAronEisenberg! Heartbreaking, but what a renaissance in recent years with his podcasts & his passion forever preserved now in the @DS9Doc. ❤️ to Malissa and his family—and the Trek/#DS9 family/fans too. #GreatRiver
— Larry Nemecek * (@larrynemecek) September 22, 2019
Way too soon. Way too young. This one hurts. Rest In Peace @AronEisenberg. pic.twitter.com/4LeooyhRjH
— @jvancitters (@jvancitters) September 22, 2019
To honour our friend @AronEisenberg
Any purchases made on our Teepublic store for the next 3 days we will be donating any revenue earned to his GoFundMe to help offset his funeral costs.
So please help us help his family in this difficult time. https://t.co/I2CWMGRDPo pic.twitter.com/tjcXeHWAzS
— Treksphere.com 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@Treksphere) September 22, 2019
Friends have established a GoFundMe account to help offset funeral costs.
In addition to his work in Star Trek, which also included a guest shot as a Kazon on Voyager, Eisenberg appeared in television and films such as tales From the Crypt, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose, House 3, and Brotherly Love. He was also an accomplished professional photographer.
Eisenberg described himself as an “actor, filmmaker and proud father”.
