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NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County

Actor Walter Koenig, Original Chekov in 'Star Trek', Dies at 90

Photo: Los Angeles Times

Walter Koenig, best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the original 'Star Trek' series and subsequent films, died Sunday at the age of 90 in North Hollywood. His career spanned over six decades across theater, television, and film, including a notable role in 'Babylon 5' and extensive work as a writer, producer, and director.

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Why It Matters

The passing marks the loss of a foundational member of the original 'Star Trek' ensemble who shaped science fiction television and maintained decades of engagement with the franchise's global fan community.

Key Facts

  • Walter Koenig died Sunday of natural causes at his home in North Hollywood at the age of 90.
  • He was best known for portraying the original Chekov in Gene Roddenberry's 1960s 'Star Trek' series and in seven feature films.
  • He also played senior Psi Cop Alfred Bester in the science fiction television series 'Babylon 5'.
  • Born in Chicago on September 14, 1936, Koenig earned a B.A. in psychology from UCLA before training at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse.
  • His professional career spanned over six decades across theater, television, film, production, and writing, including publishing his memoir 'Warped Factors: A Neurotic's Guide to the Universe' in 1998.
  • Co-stars including George Takei, Robert Picardo, and Denise Crosby shared public tributes following his passing.
  • He was predeceased by his wife, Judy Levitt, and their son, Andrew, and is survived by his daughter, Danielle.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationUCLA“University where Koenig received a B.A. in psychology.”PersonAndrew“Son of Walter Koenig.”PersonWalter Koenig“Subject of the obituary and original actor for Chekov in Star Trek.”PersonGeorge Takei“Star Trek co-star who paid tribute to Koenig.”OrganizationNeighborhood Playhouse“New York acting school attended by Koenig.”PersonJames Caan“Classmate of Koenig at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”locationNorth Hollywood“Location of death.”locationRiverdale“Location where Koenig began high school stage work.”OrganizationGrinnell College“College attended by Koenig as a pre-med major.”locationManhattan“Where Koenig was raised.”PersonDenise Crosby“Star Trek actor who posted a tribute.”PersonBrad“Spouse of George Takei.”PersonChristopher Lloyd“Classmate of Koenig at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”locationChicago“Birthplace of Walter Koenig.”PersonRobert Picardo“Star Trek actor who posted a tribute on X.”PersonGene Roddenberry“Creator of the Star Trek franchise.”PersonJudy Levitt“Wife of Walter Koenig from 1965 until her death in 2022.”PersonDanielle“Daughter of Walter Koenig.”PersonJessica Walter“Classmate of Koenig at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”