Walter Koenig, the actor who played Chekov in the original ‘Star Trek’ series, has died at 90

Walter Koenig, the actor who played Chekov in the original “Star Trek” television series, has died as one of the last surviving members of the beloved series, his representative confirmed on Monday.

He was 90 years old.

Koenig died at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, talent agent Zachery McGinnis said in a statement.

“Today we mourn the passing of Walter Koenig, whose talent, warmth and unforgettable performances left a lasting mark on generations of fans around the world,” McGinnis said.

“Walter helped inspire audiences with his optimism, humor and adventurous spirit. Beyond Star Trek, his long and distinguished career has showcased his versatility as an actor and his true love for his craft.”

With the passing of Koenig, who played trusty Enterprise navigator Pavel Chekov in the timeless sci-fi series, only two big-name actors from the original series remain.

After the deaths of Leonard Nimoy (2015), DeForest Kelley (1999), James Doohan (2005), and Nichelle Nichols (2022), the only two main actors still alive today are 95-year-old William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk, and George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu.

Koenig was the best man at Takei’s wedding and the Sulu actor fondly remembered his colleague as a “caring man and a loyal friend” on Monday.

“Walter and I met on the deck of the Enterprise in the 1960s and remained friends for nearly six decades,” Takei said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Koenig’s birthday, September 14, 1936, corresponds to Takei’s wedding anniversary, also September 14, 2008.

“I will always cherish the fact that he and I shared this date,” Takei, 89, added. “Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a caring 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. Continue sailing on a steady course.”

The original “Star Trek” ran for 79 episodes over three seasons on NBC from 1966 to 1969. Koenig also reprized his role as a Russian crew member in several film versions of the venerable franchise.

Koenig’s Chekov came on board during the Cold War-era second season of “Star Trek,” which aimed to show how characters of multiple races and nationalities could coexist peacefully — albeit in the 23rd century, on a spaceship and in series creator Gene Roddenberry’s fictional setting.

The late actor went on to play Chekov in seven “Star Trek” films: “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in 1982, “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” in 1984, “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” in 1986, “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” in 1989, “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” in 1989. 1991 and “Star Trek Generations” in 1994.

Koenig got his start on television in the early ’60s with appearances on shows ranging from “General Hospital” to “I Spy” before landing the role in 1967 that would define the rest of his career. He continued to work on many other projects, including a recurring role in the ’90s on the cult sci-fi series “Babylon 5,” but he always returned to the world of “Star Trek.”