Actor Walter Koenig, best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek television series, has died at the age of 90.
His daughter Danielle confirmed his passing on Sunday at his home in North Hollywood. The Chicago-native joined Star Trek during its second season in 1967 and became a fan favorite as the young Russian navigator aboard the USS Enterprise. He went on to reprise the role in several Star Trek films and remained a prominent figure in the franchise for decades.
Beyond Star Trek, Koenig appeared in numerous television series and also played the recurring villain Alfred Bester on the sci-fi series Babylon 5. Fans and fellow actors are remembering him as a pioneering figure in science fiction television whose work helped inspire generations of viewers. His Star Trek co-star, George Takei, paid tribute to him on social media writing, “Walter was more than Chekov. 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.” (TMZ)