Ferengi troublemaker Nog started off on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as a bad influence on young Jake Sisko, only to grow into one of the most well-rounded characters on the series — through learning to become a good friend to the station commander’s son, working to convince others that he was more than just a profit-seeking Ferengi, finding his way into Starfleet and eventually struggling to overcome his own personal trauma after a wartime injury.
The TrekCore team was saddened to learn last night that the man behind Nog’s struggles and successes, actor Aron Eisenberg, has passed away at the age of 50, as announced by his wife on social media.
The specifics of Eisenberg’s passing were not made public, but the actor faced a number of medical issues throughout his life. Eisenberg was born with only one kidney, as he explained in a 2018 Facebook post, which required a transplant replacement at the age of 13 — and eventually began to fail, requiring a second transplant which the actor discussed back in 2015.
Aron Eisenberg goes toe-to-toe with Avery Brooks in this memorable scene from "Heart of Stone," demanding that Nog gets a shot at Starfleet Academy. #StarTrek #AronEisenberg pic.twitter.com/7zpAp4e3Jn
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) September 22, 2019
Eisenberg was a mainstay at Star Trek conventions, where he would often undergo a full costume-and-makeup transformation to go on stage as Lieutenant Nog (the character’s rank at the end Deep Space Nine), and pose for photos with fans in full character.
In recent months, Eisenberg partnered up with his on-screen best friend Cirroc Lofton (Jake Sisko) to revisit episodes of their series on the podcast The 7th Rule, which often included never-heard stories from the Deep Space Nine sets.
.@AronEisenberg, @ChaseMasterson, and Max Grodenchik on the #STLV stage in character as the Ferengi first family – Nog, Leeta, and Rom#StarTrek pic.twitter.com/ED5Klt5DLB
— TrekCore.com 🖖 (@TrekCore) August 1, 2019
Other members of the Star Trek family, including the some of the Ferengi “first family,” shared their reactions to Eisenberg’s passing on social media as the news spread overnight.
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
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
@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
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
My thoughts are with @AronEisenberg’s family and friends. In the short time I’ve been a member of this #StarTrek family, it became clear what a force Aron was and will remain and how much he is loved by all he encountered. He welcomed us so fully and laughed with us heartily. RIP https://t.co/MbUVuO1nfL
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) September 22, 2019
Last night, a GoFundMe campaign to help Eisenberg’s family offset the cost of funeral expenses was launched, organized by Megan Elise (wife of Star Trek: Voyager actor Garrett Wang).