Actor Walter Koenig, known for Star Trek's Chekov, dies at 90
Walter Koenig, who portrayed Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek franchise and worked as a writer, died at his North Hollywood home at age 90.
Walter Koenig, the actor best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek series, died at his North Hollywood home at the age of 90, his representative told the Hollywood Reporter. The actor was surrounded by his daughter and niece at the time of his death, which was attributed to old age.
Zachery McGinnis, founder of the appearance agency Galactic Productions, posted a tribute on Facebook, noting Koenig’s long-standing connection with fans through convention appearances and his appreciation for the Star Trek community.
"Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend," Star Trek co-star George Takei wrote, adding that Koenig had served as his best man in 2008.
NPR host Jesse Thorn also confirmed the news, citing comments from Koenig’s daughter Danielle and highlighting the close friendships among the original Star Trek cast.
Born in Chicago to Lithuanian immigrants and raised in Manhattan, Koenig began acting in 1962 with an uncredited role in the series Combat!. He joined Star Trek at the start of its second season, appearing in 36 of the original 50 episodes aired between 1967 and 1969, and later reprised Chekov in seven Paramount films, a 2017 online series, and a 2023 episode of the animated Star Trek: Picard.
Beyond acting, Koenig wrote episodes for series such as The Powers of Matthew Star, Family, Land of the Lost and The Incredible Hulk, and produced the 2010 sci-film InAlienable.
He was married to actress Judy Levitt from 1965 until her death in 2022; their son Andrew, who appeared in Growing Pains, died in 2010. Koenig is survived by his daughter, actress and screenwriter Danielle Koenig.