#6 trendingWalter Koenig
Walter Koenig, Chekov on 'Star Trek,' dies at 90; George Takei leads tributes
Walter Koenig, the actor who steered the USS Enterprise as Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek, has died. He was 90.
His representatives said he died of old age at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday night, Oct. 25, surrounded by his daughter and niece, according to Variety and The Guardian. No other details were provided. His death was also reported by the Associated Press.
How his death was announced
The news came first through a statement from his reps, shared on Facebook by Zachery McGinnis, founder of the appearance agency Galactic Productions, which counted Koenig as a client, The Guardian reported.
“Today we mourn the passing of Walter Koenig, whose talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances left a lasting mark on generations of fans around the world.”
The statement ended: “Thank you, Walter, for the memories, the inspiration, and for boldly going where few have gone before.”
NPR Bullseye host Jesse Thorn also confirmed the news on Bluesky, citing Koenig’s daughter, Danielle Koenig, according to The Guardian.
George Takei: “Keep navigating a steady course”
Koenig’s longtime castmate George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, posted a tribute on Monday. The two met “on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s” and stayed friends for nearly six decades. Koenig was best man when Takei married his husband, Brad, in 2008.
Takei noted that Koenig turned 90 on Sept. 14, the same day as his own 18th wedding anniversary. “Walter was more than Chekov,” Takei wrote. “He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend. To the fans who loved him for so many years, thank you. He loved you too. Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course.”
Adam Nimoy, son of Leonard Nimoy, called Koenig “such a nice guy” and recalled time together on the convention circuit, Variety reported.
Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov
Koenig joined Star Trek at the start of its second season and appeared in 36 of the 50 episodes that aired between 1967 and 1969, according to The Guardian. Chekov, the young Russian navigator, became one of the show’s most recognizable characters.
| Project | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trek (original series) | 1967-1969 | Ensign Pavel Chekov |
| First seven Star Trek films | 1979-1991 | Pavel Chekov |
| Star Trek: Renegades (online) | 2017 | Chekov |
| Babylon 5 | 1994-1998 | Recurring role |
| Star Trek: Picard (cameo) | 2023 | Voice of Anton Chekov |
His 2023 Picard cameo had him voicing Anton Chekov, the son of his original character.
Beyond Chekov: a writer, too
Born in Chicago and raised in Manhattan as the child of Lithuanian immigrants, Koenig began acting in 1962 with an uncredited role in Combat!, The Guardian said. He also wrote episodes of The Powers of Matthew Star, Family, Land of the Lost and The Incredible Hulk, and wrote, produced and starred in the 2010 sci-fi film InAlienable.
He kept working late in life. His reps said he won the Platinum Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards for the short film Mr. Fleischmann.
Family
Koenig was married to actor Judy Levitt from 1965 until her death in December 2022. Their son Andrew, known for playing Richard “Boner” Stabone on Growing Pains, died in 2010 at 41. He is survived by his daughter, actor and screenwriter Danielle Koenig.
FAQ
How did Walter Koenig die?
His reps said he died of old age at home in North Hollywood. No other details were released.
How old was Walter Koenig?
He was 90. He turned 90 on Sept. 14, 2026.
Who played Chekov in the original Star Trek?
Walter Koenig played Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original series and the first seven films.
Is George Takei still alive?
Yes. Takei posted a tribute to Koenig on Monday.