Actor Walter Koenig, ‘Star Trek’s’ plucky Chekov, dies at 90
Oct 26 (Reuters) - Walter Koenig, who brought humor and grit to the role of starship navigator Pavel Chekov on the classic 1960s sci-fi TV series "Star Trek" and seven subsequent feature films, has died at the age of 90.
Walter Koenig, the actor who portrayed Starfleet navigator Pavel Chekov in the iconic 1960s TV series Star Trek and its subsequent films, has passed away at the age of 90. The news of his death was shared by his Star Trek co-star George Takei on Facebook. Koenig was recruited by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry to bring a Russian character to the diverse crew of the fictional starship Enterprise, a decision that coincided with the tensions of the Cold War era.
Koenig's portrayal of Chekov, who was originally given an inauthentic Russian accent, became a beloved character and a symbol of harmony among people of different races, creeds, and nationalities. Born on September 14, 1936, in New York City, Koenig began his acting career after attending the University of California, Los Angeles.
He faced personal tragedy in 2010 with the loss of his son, actor Andrew Koenig, to suicide. Apart from Star Trek, Koenig had a successful career as an author, script writer, and occasional director.
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