Star Trek actor Walter Koenig dies aged 90

2026, October 26

United States

Actor Walter Koenig, best known for playing Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek television series, died at the age of 90, according to his talent agent. Koenig joined the science-fiction series in its second season and later appeared in seven Star Trek films. His career also included a role in Babylon 5 and work as a screenwriter.

Koenig's portrayal of Chekov became part of Star Trek's vision of a future in which people from different countries worked together aboard the same starship. His death marks the loss of another member of the original cast whose work helped shape one of television's most enduring franchises.

Why it matters: Koenig's career left a lasting mark on science fiction and popular culture, while the character of Chekov embodied the show's optimistic message of international cooperation.

Source: Associated Press coverage — Walter Koenig dies at 90