Walter Koenig, Star Trek's Chekov, Dies at Age 90
Walter Koenig, who played Chekov on the original Star Trek series, has died at age 90. Koenig joined the NBC series Star Trek in its second season as Russian crewmember Ensign Pavel Andreievich Chekov.
Walter Koenig, the actor known for portraying Chekov in the original Star Trek series, has passed away at the age of 90. His family was present when he died at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday, as reported by TMZ. Koenig joined the NBC show in its second season, playing the Russian crew member Ensign Pavel Andreievich Chekov, a character designed to attract younger audiences.
He appeared in the show's later seasons and all six feature films featuring the original cast. With Koenig's death, only William Shatner and George Takei remain alive from the original Star Trek ensemble. Takei honored his late co-star on social media, reflecting on their long friendship and partnership. Born in Chicago on September 14, 1936, Koenig studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York alongside future sci-fi and comedy icon Christopher Lloyd, who appeared alongside Koenig in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
After Star Trek's cancellation, Koenig transitioned to writing episodic television series and returned to sci-fi with his role in Babylon 5. In 2017, he reprised his Chekov role in the online series Renegades. Koenig was widowed in 2022, following his wife Judy's death. His son, Andrew Koenig, who starred in the TV series Growing Pains, took his own life in 2010.
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Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Star Trek's Walter Koenig Dies At 90 polygon.com
