Walter Koenig Has Died at 90. He Played Chekov on 'Star Trek.'

Covered by The New York Times, Aol and 10 more since

  • Walter Koenig
  • Los Angeles
  • George Takei
  • United States
  • Hollywood
  • Chicago
  • North Hollywood, Los Angeles
  • Alfred Bester
An empty chair before a softly glowing retro starship navigation console on a dim, quiet soundstage lit by a single warm spotlight.

What happened

Walter Koenig, who played Russian navigator Pavel Chekov on the original "Star Trek" series and its films, has died at 90. His agent, Zachery McGinnis, said he died of old age at his North Hollywood home, surrounded by his daughter and niece. Most outlets say he died Sunday, Oct. 25; HuffPost and U.S. News & World Report said Monday.

Summary

Walter Koenig spent decades as Ensign Pavel Chekov, the young Russian navigator of the starship Enterprise. He has died at 90. His agent, Zachery McGinnis, said Koenig died of old age at home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, with his daughter and niece beside him. Most outlets report he died Sunday, Oct. 25, while an AP report carried by HuffPost and U.S. News & World Report said he died Monday. His death leaves two members of the original show's main cast: William Shatner, 95, who played Captain Kirk, and George Takei, 89, who played Sulu. [3] [4] [5] [6] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Koenig joined "Star Trek" in 1967, the show's second season. Creator Gene Roddenberry wanted a younger face to draw teenage viewers, and producers gave Koenig a mop-top haircut meant to recall Davy Jones of the Monkees. A friendly Russian officer on the bridge during the Cold War also suggested a future where rival nations worked side by side. Koenig appeared in 36 episodes and played Chekov in the movies, seven by most outlets' count. Later he played the telepath Alfred Bester on "Babylon 5" and, in 2023, voiced a descendant of Chekov on "Star Trek: Picard." [1] [2] [3] [5] [9] [10] [12]

Takei, whose wedding Koenig served as best man, said the two had been friends for nearly six decades. In his tribute, Takei described Koenig as far more than his famous role: a writer, a teacher and a loyal friend. Koenig's representatives said he "understood what Star Trek meant to people" and embraced its fan community. He kept working late in life. This year he won a best actor award at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards for the short film "Mr. Fleischmann." His wife, Judy Levitt, died in 2022, and his son Andrew died by suicide in 2010. He is survived by his daughter, Danielle. [2] [3] [6] [8] [9] [10]

Summary written by Vox Populi News from the 12 sources below. See all sources

Key questions

How did Walter Koenig die?

His agent, Zachery McGinnis, said Koenig died of old age at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece. [3] [5] [10] [12]

Who from the original Star Trek cast is still alive?

With Koenig's death, William Shatner, 95, and George Takei, 89, are the only surviving members of the original series' main cast. [4] [6] [9]

What else was Walter Koenig known for besides Chekov?

He played the villainous telepath Alfred Bester in 12 episodes of "Babylon 5" from 1994 to 1998. He also wrote memoirs, including "Chekov's Enterprise," and directed theater. [2] [9] [10]

Sources 12

  1. 1The New York Times

    Walter Koenig Has Died at 90. He Played Chekov on 'Star Trek.'

    As the baby-faced Russian navigator of the U.S.S. Enterprise, he was a mainstay of the original television series and seven films.

    Read on The New York Times (opens in a new tab)
  2. 2Aol

    Walter Koenig, famed "Star Trek "and "Babylon 5 "alum, dies at age 90

    The late actor was known for his role as Russian crewman Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" universe. * Star Trek alum Walter Koenig has died at age 90.

    Shelby Stivale

    Read on Aol (opens in a new tab)
  3. 3USA Today

    Walter Koenig, 'Star Trek' actor known for Chekov, dies at 90

    "Star Trek" alum Walter Koenig has died at 90 years old. The actor, known for playing Russian navigator Pavel Chekov on the original sci-fi series, died from old age Sunday, Oct.

    Read on USA Today (opens in a new tab)
  4. 4IGN

    Walter Koenig, Who PLayed Pavel Chekov in the Original Star Trek TV Series and Films, Dies at Age 90

    Played the USS Enterprise's Russian navigator and weapons officer. Walter Koenig, who played Chekov on the original Star Trek series, has died at age 90.

    Jim Vejvoda

    Read on IGN (opens in a new tab)
  5. 5Washington Post

    Walter Koenig, Russian navigator Chekov on 'Star Trek,' dies at 90

    The actor played the ensign and starship navigator in the TV and film phenomenon.

    Adam Bernstein

    Read on Washington Post (opens in a new tab)
  6. 6NBC News

    Walter Koenig, actor who played Chekov on original 'Star Trek' series, dies at 90

    Koenig's passing leaves William Shatner and George Takei as the last two primary cast members of the iconic science fiction show.

    David K. Li

    Read on NBC News (opens in a new tab)
  7. 7CBS News

    Walter Koenig, actor who played Chekov on original "Star Trek" series, dies at age 90

    Walter Koenig, the actor who played Pavel Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series and several movies, has died, his rep confirmed to CBS News. He was 90.

    Read on CBS News (opens in a new tab)
  8. 8HuffPost

    'Star Trek' Actor Walter Koenig Dies At 90

    Koenig played Ensign Pavel Chekov, the youthful Russian navigator on the original "Star Trek " television series and several movies.

    Read on HuffPost (opens in a new tab)
  9. 9Men's Journal

    Walter Koenig, One of the Last Original 'Star Trek' Cast Members, Dead at 90

    The actor, famous for playing Chekov, had an incredible career. Walter Koenig, actor who originated the role of Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek, has died.

    Ryan Britt

    Read on Men's Journal (opens in a new tab)
  10. 10Variety

    Walter Koenig, Chekov on Original 'Star Trek,' Dies at 90

    Walter Koenig, who memorably played Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series and seven "Star Trek" feature films, died Sunday in Los Angeles, Variety has confirmed. He was 90.

    Read on Variety (opens in a new tab)
  11. 11U.S. News & World Report

    Walter Koenig, Ensign Chekov on Original 'Star Trek' Series, Dies at 90

    Actor Walter Koenig, known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov on "Star Trek," has died at 90 LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Actor Walter Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov, the youthful Russian navigator on…

    Associated Press

    Read on U.S. News & World Report (opens in a new tab)
  12. 12CNN International

    Walter Koenig, Chekov of 'Star Trek' fame, dies at 90

    Walter Koenig, who played exuberant Russian navigator Pavel Chekov on the original "Star Trek" series and many of the franchise's ensuing films, has died at the age of 90.

    Andy Rose

    Read on CNN International (opens in a new tab)