Walter Koenig, best known as the original Star Trek‘s Pavel Chekov, is reported to have died at the age of 90. NPR’s Jesse Thorn posted on his BlueSky account to say Koenig’s daughter, Danielle Koenig, had let him know that her father passed away last night.
Chicago-born Koenig rose to fame in 1967 with his portrayal of Russian ensign Chekov, first appearing in the second season of Star Trek, and then becoming a part of the core crew throughout its run, remaining through the seven movies that followed. He was hired at age 30 to increase the show’s youth appeal, but immediately became so popular that he was made a part of the regular cast.
Koenig had a tense relationship with Star Trek star William Shatner, and rarely held back about their lack of closeness. As recently as 2023 he posted to his X account to say “Bill Shatner is not a friend,” but then went on to praise his work on Boston Legal.
Bill Shatner is not a friend but his work on Boston Legal cannot be disputed. He brought a great deal to his performance.
— Walter Koenig (@GineokwKoenig) June 14, 2023
In 1994, Koenig was cast in J. Michael Straczynski’s Bablyon 5, which was in many ways a riposte to the idealism of Star Trek, and his character was very much the anti-Chekov. His character of Alfred Bester was a senior Psi Corps officer, a cruel and officious anti-telepath cop, named after the science fiction author who inspired the Psi Corps storyline. He got to portray a proper baddie, and clearly relished the opportunity to go so against the stereotype Star Trek had stuck him with.
Koenig stayed a close friend of Star Trek cast mate George Takei, and was Takei’s best man at his wedding in 2008. Koenig’s wife of 57 years, Judy Levitt, died in 2022. Their son Matthew, a director and environmental activist, died in 2010. He is survived by his daughter, comedian Danielle Koenig. Rest in peace.
