Walter Koenig, best known for portraying Chekov in the original Star Trek series, has passed away at the age of 90.
He continued playing Chekov for the final two seasons of the original series before reprising the role in all six feature films featuring the original cast. Following Koenig’s passing, William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk, and George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu, remain the only surviving members of the original main cast. Koenig was also recognized for his portrayal of the roguish Alfred Bester in Warner Bros.
Television’s science-fiction series Babylon 5.
Koenig made his debut in the second season of NBC’s science-fiction series as Ensign Pavel Andreievich Chekov, a Russian officer aboard the USS Enterprise. The character’s youthful looks and Beatles-inspired hairstyle were designed in part to attract younger viewers.
The actor and writer died at his North Hollywood residence, “surrounded by his daughter and niece, according to a statement from Galactic Productions. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Koenig died of natural causes at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday, according to his representative.
