Will Dunham

October 27, 2026 — 5:07am

Walter Koenig, who brought humour and grit to the role of starship navigator Pavel Chekov on the classic 1960s sci-fi TV series Star Trek and seven subsequent feature films, has died at the age of 90.

“My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today,” George Takei, who starred alongside Koenig in the show and was a long-time friend, wrote on Facebook on Monday (US time). Koenig died at his home in Los Angeles, the AP reported, citing his talent agent.

Star Trek actors George Takei (left) and Walter Koenig (right), in a photograph shared by Takei on social media as he paid tribute. Facebook/George Takei

Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry picked Koenig, who had played only a few prior roles on television, when he decided to add a Russian character to the crew of the fictional Starship Enterprise.…