NewsWPLG Local 10October 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Walter Koenig, Ensign Chekov on 'Star Trek', dies at 90
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Actor Walter Koenig, best known for playing navigator Pavel Chekov on the television series and films "Star Trek," has died at the age of 90. Koenig passed away on Monday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement from his talent agent.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The death of the actor marks the passing of another primary cast member from the original 1960s science fiction series, which built a long-lasting global fanbase and shaped modern media fandom.
Key Facts
- Actor Walter Koenig died at the age of 90 at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
- His death was announced by talent agent Zachery McGinnis.
- Koenig played Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original "Star Trek" television series and in seven subsequent movies starting in 1979.
- The original "Star Trek" series ran on NBC from 1966 to 1969.
- Koenig was born on September 14, 1936, in Chicago and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1958.
- In addition to acting, Koenig wrote scripts for television shows including "Family" and "The Incredible Hulk," and authored a 1980 book titled "Chekov's Enterprise."
- He also taught part-time at UCLA and other schools, and appeared in the 1990s television series "Babylon 5" and a 1995 CD-ROM game.
Who's Mentioned
PersonPavel Chekov“Fictional navigator character played by Walter Koenig”PersonZachery McGinnis“Talent agent who issued the statement regarding Koenig's death”OrganizationThe Neighborhood Playhouse“Acting school in New York where Koenig studied”PersonWalter Koenig“Actor who played Ensign Pavel Chekov on Star Trek”locationNew York“State where Koenig studied acting”PersonGeorge Takei“Star Trek castmate and friend of Koenig”locationNorth Hollywood“Neighborhood in Los Angeles where Koenig lived and died”locationLos Angeles“City in California”PersonBrad Altman“Partner of George Takei”OrganizationUniversity of California, Los Angeles“Alma mater where Koenig graduated and later taught”OrganizationNBC“Network that broadcast the original Star Trek series”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News organization that interviewed Koenig in 1995”OrganizationEnterprise“Spaceship bridge staff featured in Star Trek”locationChicago“Birthplace of Walter Koenig”