Walter Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original 1960s “Star Trek” TV series and seven subsequent films, has died. He was 90.
The actor reportedly passed away in North Hollywood on Sunday from natural causes. Zachery McGinnis of Galactic Productions posted the news today on social media, saying in a statement:
“Walter’s legacy extends far beyond the screen. Through countless convention appearances and interactions with fans, he shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it.”
Koenig played the Russian navigator in the second and third seasons of the original films along with the first seven “Star Trek” films from 1979-94.
Koenig also had a memorable recurring role as the villainous Psi Corps senior officer Alfred Bester in around a dozen episodes of “Babylon 5” during the 1990s.
Other acting credits included guests spots on shows like “The Untouchables,” “Gidget,” “I Spy,” “Jericho,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Renegades,” “Futurama,” “Columbo,” and even the pilot episode of “General Hospital”.
Koenig’s death leaves George Takei and William Shatner as the lone surviving main cast members of the original “Star Trek” series.
Source: Variety
