Walter Koenig, Star Trek's Original Chekov, Dies at 90

Walter Koenig, the actor who brought Pavel Chekov to life in the original Star Trek series, has died at the age of 90. His death was reported this week, and tributes from fans, former co-stars and science fiction writers have followed.

Koenig joined the cast in the show's second season, and his character, the young Russian navigator, quickly became one of the most recognizable members of the Enterprise crew. The role carried him through the franchise's film era, where Chekov returned in several of the big-screen adventures that kept the characters in front of audiences for decades.

Koenig's career extended well beyond the starship. He was a memorable presence in Babylon 5 as the telepath Alfred Bester, a role that won him a new generation of science fiction viewers. He also stayed active in the fan community, appearing at conventions and sharing his experiences from the original series with the people who grew up watching it.

For many fans, Koenig was a reminder of a time when Star Trek was taking enormous creative risks on television. His death closes another chapter in the story of the show's original cast, many of whom have now passed.