Walter Koenig, Who Played Chekov on Star Trek, Has Died at 90
Death at North Hollywood home
Koenig’s talent agent said he died of natural causes on Sunday. He was at home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece.
Chekov across Star Trek
Koenig joined NBC’s Star Trek at the beginning of its second season and stayed through the series’ three-season run. He later played Chekov in all six films featuring the original series cast.
Those films included Star Trek: The Motion Picture, The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock, The Voyage Home, The Final Frontier and The Undiscovered Country. Koenig also voiced characters in Star Trek projects, including President Anton Chekov in an episode of Star Trek: Picard.
Roles beyond the franchise
Outside Star Trek, Koenig had a recurring role on Babylon 5 as senior officer Alfred Bester. His television credits also included Ironside, Columbo and Diagnosis Murder. He voiced himself on Futurama, adding to a career that spanned roles beyond his best-known character. The statement said he kept meeting fans at conventions and appreciated the community built around Star Trek.
Key points
- Koenig died Sunday at 90, according to his talent agent.
- He played Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series and six films.
- His later work included Babylon 5 and the short film Mr. Fleischmann.
- Koenig also voiced President Anton Chekov in Star Trek: Picard.