Film
Walter Koenig, Star Trek's Pavel Chekov, dies at 90
The American actor died at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece, his representatives announced. His death leaves William Shatner and George Takei as the only surviving members of the original series' main cast.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 27, 2026, 10:15 · Updated 18:42 · 1 min read
In brief
- Koenig died of old age at his North Hollywood home, according to his representatives.
- He played Ensign Pavel Chekov in Star Trek from the second season and in six original-cast films.
- George Takei: “My heart is heavy... Walter was more than Chekov.”
American actor Walter Koenig, known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov in the cult series Star Trek, has died at 90. According to a statement from his representatives, he died of old age at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by his daughter and niece. They praised the actor's “talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances.”
Born on Sept. 14, 1936, in Chicago, Koenig studied acting at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse. In the early 1960s he had television roles in series such as Mr. Novak, Ben Casey, The Untouchables, I Spy and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.
Chekov and beyond
The role of Chekov in Star Trek: The Original Series, where he became a regular cast member from the second season in 1967 until 1969, brought him worldwide fame. He reprised the character in the six original-cast films from 1979 to 1991. He later wrote scripts for Family and The Incredible Hulk, taught part-time at UCLA and appeared occasionally in Babylon 5 in the 1990s. His last notable work was the short film Mr. Fleischmann, which earned him the Platinum Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards.
Koenig was married to actress Judy Levitt from 1965 until her death in 2022; their son, Andrew, died in 2010. He is survived by his daughter, Danielle. Fellow cast member George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, wrote on X: “My heart is heavy. Walter was more than Chekov.” Koenig's death leaves William Shatner and Takei as the only surviving members of the original series' main cast.
