NewsLos Angeles Times — EntertainmentOctober 26, 2026Los Angeles County
Walter Koenig, original Chekov in 'Star Trek' franchise, dies at 90
Photo: Los Angeles Times — Entertainment
Actor Walter Koenig, best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the original 'Star Trek' series and subsequent films, died Sunday at the age of 90 from natural causes at his home in North Hollywood. His career spanned over six decades across theater, television, and film, including a notable role as Alfred Bester in 'Babylon 5.' Tributes poured in from family, fans, and co-stars following his passing.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times — EntertainmentWhy It Matters
His death marks the passing of a principal cast member from the foundational 1960s science fiction franchise and a long-standing figure in television and theater history.
Key Facts
- Actor Walter Koenig died on 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 the 'Star Trek' franchise across the 1960s TV series and seven feature films.
- He also played senior Psi Cop Alfred Bester in the sci-fi television series 'Babylon 5'.
- Koenig's career spanned over six decades, encompassing acting, producing, directing, writing books, screenplays, and a comic book series.
- He published his memoir, 'Warped Factors: A Neurotic's Guide to the Universe,' in 1998.
- Co-stars including George Takei, Robert Picardo, and Denise Crosby posted public tributes following his death.
- He was married to actor Judy Levitt from 1965 until her death in 2022, and was predeceased by his son Andrew, leaving behind his daughter Danielle.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationUCLA“University attended by Koenig where he received a B.A. in psychology.”PersonAndrew“Koenig's late son who died in 2010.”PersonWalter Koenig“Subject of the news article, actor known for 'Star Trek' and 'Babylon 5'.”PersonGeorge Takei“'Star Trek' co-star who paid tribute to Koenig.”OrganizationNeighborhood Playhouse“New York acting school attended by Koenig.”locationLithuania“Country of origin of Koenig's parents.”PersonJames Caan“Koenig's classmate at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”locationNorth Hollywood“Location of Koenig's home where he died.”locationRiverdale“Where Koenig began his stage work in high school.”OrganizationGrinnell College“College in Iowa attended by Koenig.”locationManhattan“Where Koenig was raised.”PersonDenise Crosby“'The Next Generation' star who paid tribute to Koenig.”PersonBrad“Husband of George Takei.”PersonChristopher Lloyd“Koenig's classmate at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”locationChicago“Koenig's birthplace.”PersonRobert Picardo“'Star Voyager' and 'Starfleet Academy' star who paid tribute to Koenig.”PersonGene Roddenberry“Creator of the 'Star Trek' series.”PersonJudy Levitt“Koenig's late wife, married from 1965 until her death in 2022.”PersonDanielle“Koenig's daughter who was present at his passing.”PersonJessica Walter“Koenig's classmate at the Neighborhood Playhouse.”