Walter Koenig as Chekov in the STAR TREK episode, "Journey to Babel." Season 2, episode 10 originally broadcast November 17, 1967. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
Walter Koenig, one of the stars from the classic science fiction franchise "Star Trek" has died at age 90.
Koenig was best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series from the 1960s.
What we know:
Koenig died at his home in North Hollywood on Monday, at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, talent agent Zachery McGinnis said in a statement.
"Walter’s legacy extends far beyond the screen. Through countless convention appearances and interactions with fans, he shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it," McGinnis said. "Thank you, Walter, for the memories, the inspiration, and for boldly going where few have gone before."
"My heart is heavy," Koenig’s former "Star Trek" castemate, George Takei, said in a social media post. "Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend."
Dig deeper:
In 1966, Koenig landed the role alongside William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and others from the iconic series. As Chekov, Koenig portrayed the navigator for the U.S.S. Enterprise. In the series, he also filled in as science officer in place of Mr. Spock when needed.
The series only lasted three seasons, but its popularity skyrocketed after it ended, inspiring a cartoon series and numerous Star Trek movies.
Big picture view:
The series helped launch the popularity of conventions, where stars and creators would meet and greet fans of various genres.
What they're saying:
Koenig's representative said of the actor, Walter "shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it."
Some of his other credits include, "Babylon 5," "Columbo," and "Futurama."
Koenig was preceded in death by his son, who passed away in 2010.
Kirk and Sulu
With the death of Koenig, the only two featured members of the original Star Trek crew who are still alive are William Shatner, 95, who played Capt. James T. Kirk; and George Takei, 89, who played Hikaru Sulu.
Star Trek actors who died
Many actors played key roles throughout Star Trek lore, but of the most famous regular cast members, only Shatner and Takei are still alive. Below is a list of those whose deaths preceded Koenig's, as well as when they passed, in chronological order:
- Mark Lenard, 72: Ambassador Sarek (Spock’s father) - Died on November 22, 1996
- DeForest Kelley, 79: Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy - Died on June 11, 1999
- James Doohan, 85: Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott - Died on July 20, 2005
- Majel Barrett, 76: Nurse Christine Chapel/Ship’s computer, also wife of creator Gene Roddenberry - Died on December 18, 2008
- Ricardo Montalbán, 88: Khan Noonien Singh - Died on January 14, 2009
- Leonard Nimoy, 83: Mr. Spock - Died on February 27, 2015
- Grace Lee Whitney, 85: Yeoman Janice Rand - Died on May 1, 2015
- Nichelle Nichols, 89: Lieutenant Nyota Uhura - Died on July 30, 2022
The Source: This story was written with information provided by The Associated Press, TMZ and reporting by LiveNOW from FOX. This story was reported from Orlando.