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Walter Koenig, 'Star Trek' Chekov Actor, Dies at 90

Did Chekov's Cold War symbolism earn him lasting fame or was "Babylon 5" where he shined brightest?

3 hours ago·Updated 1 hour ago

Walter Koenig, 'Star Trek' Chekov Actor, Dies at 90

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Above: Walter Koenig as Commander Pavel Chekov in the 1982 movie, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Image credit: CBS/Getty Images

The Facts

Walter Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original "Star Trek" series, died Sunday of old age at his North Hollywood, Calif., home at 90, his representatives announced Monday. He died surrounded by his daughter and niece, agent Zachery McGinnis said.
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Castmate George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, paid tribute Monday, writing that his "heart is heavy" and describing Koenig as a writer, a teacher and a loyal friend. Koenig served as best man at Takei's 2008 wedding to Brad Altman in Los Angeles.
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Koenig joined "Star Trek" during its second season in 1967, appearing in 36 episodes as the young Russian navigator aboard the USS Enterprise. The NBC series ran from 1966 to 1969, with Chekov as the lone Communist-bloc member of the bridge crew.
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He reprised the role in the first seven Paramount "Star Trek" films, released between 1979 and 1991, and wrote the 1980 book "Chekov's Enterprise." The franchise also produced two spinoff series with new casts and conventions drawing thousands of fans.
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The Hollywood Reporter
Koenig later played the telepathic agent Alfred Bester in 12 episodes of the science fiction series "Babylon 5" between 1994 and 1998. He also wrote scripts for shows including "Family" and "The Incredible Hulk" and taught part time at UCLA.
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Born in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 14, 1936, Koenig studied psychology at UCLA before training at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse. He married actress Judy Levitt in 1965, and she died in 2022. Their son, Andrew, an actor, died in 2010 at age 41.
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The Spin

Narrative A

A single supporting role on a canceled sci-fi show helped a generation imagine Cold War rivals working side by side, and that matters far more than screen time ever could. Decades of conventions, warmth toward fans, teaching and writing built a legacy no episode count can measure. Koenig earned every bit of his world fame and respect both on and off the screen.

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Daily Wire

Narrative B

Koenig was an outstanding actor and an even more remarkable man, which is why he showed gratitude for his "Star Trek" role despite it being one of the least rewarding roles of his career. He acknowledged how lucky he was for the financial benefits from playing Chekov, but his role in "Babylon 5" showed his truest potential on stage.

The Hollywood Reporter

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