Walter Koenig, finest recognized for enjoying USS Enterprise navigator Ensign Pavel Chekov on the unique “Star Trek” TV collection, died Sunday. He was 90.
Koenig’s agent confirmed his demise to ABC Information, and Koenig’s former co-star, George Takei, additionally shared the information in an online post Monday.
“At the moment we mourn the passing of Walter Koenig, whose expertise, heat, and unforgettable performances left an enduring mark on generations of followers world wide,” Koenig’s agent, Zachery McGinnis, mentioned in an announcement, partially. “He handed of previous age at dwelling in North Hollywood final evening surrounded by his daughter and niece.”
Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov within the Star Trek unique collection episode, “Task: Earth” initially aired March 29, 1968.
CBS Picture Archive by way of Getty Photographs
In his Fb submit, Takei mourned the information of his former co-star’s demise.
“Walter was greater than Chekov. He was a author, a trainer, a considerate man, and a loyal good friend. To the followers who cherished him for therefore a few years, thanks. He cherished you too,” Takei wrote.
Born on Sept. 14, 1936, Koenig starred on a number of tv reveals together with “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” “The Lieutenant” — created and produced by “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry — “I Spy” and extra earlier than touchdown the position of Chekov within the second season of “Star Trek” in 1967.
Koenig told the Tv Academy in a 2013 interview that he hadn’t seen “Star Trek” earlier than he learn for the position of Chekov, a personality that was added to the present after its debut.
Members of the “Star Trek” crew, from left, in entrance: DeForest Kelley, William Shanter, and Leonard Nimoy, and again row from left: James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei, and Nichelle Nichols toast the latest “Trek” movie, “Star Trek V: The Last Frontier,” throughout a information convention in Los Angeles, Dec. 28, 1988.
Bob Galbraith/AP
“They have been searching for an actor or a character that may attraction to the identical demographic that Davy Jones did — youngsters 8 to 14 years previous,” he mentioned, referring to the then-star of the music-comedy TV collection “The Monkees,” including that when he was forged within the position, he would get mail from younger folks commenting on how “groovy” his hair was.
In a 1984 interview with “Good Morning America,” Koenig mentioned “Star Trek” had a “monumental impact” on his life.
“In my thoughts it is considerably questionable whether or not I’d certainly nonetheless be pursuing a profession on this trade had it not been for ‘Star Trek,'” he mentioned. “‘Star Trek’ has made it doable not solely to stay an actor, however to pursue different trade endeavors like writing and directing and producing.”
Walter Koenig as Pavel Andreyevich Chekov on the Star Trek unique collection episode, “Who Mourns For Adonais?” initially aired September 22, 1967.
CBS Picture Archive by way of Getty Photographs
Following “Star Trek,” Koenig went on to star in or seem in different tv collection, together with “Columbo,” “The Starlost” and extra.
In 1979, he joined his different fellow “Star Trek” unique collection forged members in reprising his position in “Star Trek: The Movement Image,” the primary “Star Trek” characteristic movie.
He went on to play Chekov once more in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982, “Star Trek III: The Seek for Spock” in 1984, “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Residence” in 1986, “Star Trek V: The Last Frontier” in 1989,” “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Nation” in 1991 and “Star Trek: Generations” in 1994.
Outdoors of performing, Koenig was recognized for his humanitarian activism centered on human rights and aiding refugees. He was additionally a husband and father. In 1965, he married actress Judy Levitt.
Actor Walter Koenig speaks throughout “The Unique Sequence” panel on the 18th annual Official Star Trek Conference, August 2, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Photographs
“She’s very tolerant of my assortment and my gathering as long as it doesn’t come down the steps into the lounge or any of the bedrooms,” Koenig mentioned in a 2012 interview about his spouse’s view of his “Star Trek” memorabilia.
In 2012, Koenig was honored with a Hollywood Stroll of Fame star. In recent times, he continued to look in different “Star Trek”-related initiatives and lent his voice to varied animated collection. He was additionally a well-recognized face at fan occasions and conventions.
Koenig is survived by his daughter, Danielle Koenig, an actress, comic and screenwriter. Koenig’s spouse died in 2022. Koenig’s son, actor Andrew Koenig, died by suicide in 2010.
