Walter Koenig has died: The Star Trek legend was 90 years old
On social media, his co-star George Takei responded to the death of the Chekov actor with moving words
Walter Koenig has died. He passed away at the age of 90. The death of the "Star Trek" legend was announced by the agency Galactic Productions. Their social media post reads:
"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. He passed of old age at home in North Hollywood last night surrounded by his daughter and niece."
Koenig became world-famous for his role as Pavel Chekov. He first played the Starfleet officer who served on the starship Enterprise in the original "Star Trek" series from the 1960s. Later, he also appeared as Chekov in several film adaptations alongside his former "Star Trek" co-stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, and George Takei. With Koenig's death, Shatner and Takei are now the only surviving members of the original TV cast.
Moving words from George Takei
Takei responded on social media with moving words to the death of Koenig. Accompanying a photo showing Takei sitting next to Koenig, the actor, who once portrayed "Star Trek" officer Hikaru Sulu, wrote:
"Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades. When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man. Just last month, on Sept. 14, he turned 90, on the same day Brad and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. I will always treasure that he and I shared that date.
Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful 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. Keep navigating a steady course."
Also unforgettable for his role in Babylon 5
Over the course of his decades-long acting career, Koenig appeared in numerous roles. However, most viewers are likely to remember the star – born in 1936 in Chicago, Illinois – primarily as Pavel Chekov. In addition to his "Star Trek" character, he played another role in a popular science fiction series that remains unforgettable to fans. In the 1990s, he made a splash in the space saga "Babylon 5" as the telepath Alfred Bester, who, as a Psi Corps officer, was one of the recurring antagonists in the sci-fi series about the space station that gives the show its name. As likable as Chekov was – the character of Bester seemed all the more menacing.
Thanks in no small part to his performance as Alfred Bester, he was able to show a global audience just how versatile he was. And so Koenig will certainly be sorely missed not only by many "Star Trek" fans, but also by those viewers who were equally delighted by his appearances on "Babylon 5."