Walter Koenig, Chekov on ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 90

Another member of the original Star Trek cast has died, just a few weeks after the franchise celebrated the 60th anniversary of its debut on television.Walter Koenig, best known as Ensign Chekov on Star Trek television shows and movies, has passed away. He was 90 years old.He death was confirmed by his representatives, who shared this statement...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 was born in Chicago, and then studied psychology college, where a professor encouraged him to try acting. Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry actually cast Koenig in a role in his earlier TV series The Lieutenant. He joined the cast of Star Trek as Ensign Pavel Chekov at the start of the show’s second season, where his youthful looks and resemblance to Davy Jones of the Monkees helped him in the land the role, supposedly because Roddenberry was hoping to diversify the cast to appeal to more young viewers.Although he wasn’t among the initial Star Trek cast, Chekov became a fixture in ...