Walter Koenig, Star Trek’s Chekov, dies at 90

Walter Koenig, the actor who portrayed Ensign Pavel Chekov, died at the age of 90. He passed away at his home in North Hollywood on Sunday, surrounded by his daughter and niece. The cause was natural, according to his agent.

Family and personal life

Koenig is survived by his daughter Danielle. His wife of over 50 years, Judy Levitt, had previously passed away in 2022, while their son Andrew, an actor like both his parents, died in 2010.

He joined Star Trek in the second season, first appearing in the episode "The Amok Time," and remained through the three‑season run. Koenig later reprised Chekov in all six Original Series films, including The Motion Picture, The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock, The Voyage Home, The Final Frontier, and The Undiscovered Country. He also lent his voice to several Star Trek projects, such as video games and a Picard episode where he voiced President Anton Chekov.

Outside Star Trek, Koenig played Alfred Bester in the space drama Babylon 5, appearing in twelve episodes. A heart attack had kept him out of the show's first planned episode. He also made guest spots on Ironside, Columbo and Diagnosis Murder, and voiced himself in Futurama. In the 1970s and 80s he wrote for shows like Land of the Lost, and he wrote the animated episode "The Infinite Vulcan." His short film Mr. Fleischmann earned him the Platinum Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards.

A statement obtained by TVLine praised Koenig's talent, warmth and memorable performances. It pointed to his role in inspiring generations of fans and his love for his craft. His legacy, it said, reaches well beyond the screen, through countless convention appearances and interactions with fans.