Walter Koenig, ‘Star Trek’ Actor Who Played Chekov, Dies at 90

Walter Koenig, the actor best known for playing Russian navigator Pavel Chekov in the original “Star Trek” television series and seven feature films, has died at 90.

Koenig died at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, his representative Zachery McGinnis said. He was surrounded by his daughter and niece.

Koenig joined “Star Trek” during its second season and appeared in 36 episodes from 1967 to 1969. His character, a Russian officer serving alongside a diverse crew aboard the Enterprise, reflected the series’ optimistic vision of international cooperation during the Cold War. Koenig later reprised Chekov in seven films, beginning with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979.

“My heart is heavy,” castmate and longtime friend George Takei wrote on social media. “Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend.”

Born in Chicago in 1936 and raised in New York City, Koenig studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse after attending UCLA. Beyond “Star Trek,” he played Alfred Bester in the 1990s science-fiction series “Babylon 5” and worked as an author, screenwriter, director and teacher. His writing included television scripts and the 1980 book “Chekov’s Enterprise.”

Koenig also remained active in the “Star Trek” fan community through convention appearances. McGinnis said he embraced the community that grew around the series and shared his “kindness, wit, and appreciation” with fans.