Walter Koenig, Star Trek actor who played Pavel Chekov, dies at 90
Walter Koenig, who played navigator Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek television series and films, has died at the age of 90. Representatives for Koenig confirmed he passed away from old age at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece. Tributes have been led by his former co-stars George Takei and William Shatner.
Key points
- Walter Koenig died at age 90 at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday night.
- Representatives for Koenig confirmed he passed away of old age, surrounded by his daughter and niece.
- He was widely known for playing Pavel Chekov in Star Trek and Alfred Bester in Babylon 5.
- Co-stars George Takei and William Shatner shared tributes following his death.
What happened
Walter Koenig, who portrayed the navigator Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series, has died at the age of 90. Representatives for Koenig stated that he passed away of old age on Sunday night at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece.
Reaction
Co-star George Takei paid tribute on social media, writing that Koenig was more than just Chekov, describing him as a writer, teacher, thoughtful man, and loyal friend. William Shatner also expressed deep sadness, stating that Koenig genuinely loved the Star Trek community.
Background
Koenig featured as Chekov from season two of Star Trek in 1967 until 1969, later reprising the role in six original cast movies from 1979 through to 1991. He also portrayed Alfred Bester in the science fiction series Babylon 5 during the mid-to-late 1990s. Beyond acting, Koenig was a published author and writer, writing an animated Star Trek episode and receiving recognition for his craft including a recent performance in the short film Mr Fleischmann.
Why it matters
Walter Koenig's death marks the passing of a defining cast member from the original Star Trek television and film era whose career spanned decades in science fiction television.
What we know
- Actor Walter Koenig died at age 90 at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday night.
- Koenig died of old age.
- He played Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series and movies.
- He played Alfred Bester in Babylon 5.
- George Takei and William Shatner shared public tributes.
How the story developed
Tributes published following Koenig passing
Co-stars George Takei and William Shatner led tributes on social media following the announcement of Koenig's death.
Original source
