Walter Koenig, who starred as Pavel Checkov in the Star Trek series and films, has died aged 90.
The actor played Ensign Pavel Andreievich Checkov in 36 of the 50 Star Trek episodes, which first aired between 1967 and 1969, and in several spin off films, and video games in decades which followed. He was also renowned for starring as Alfred Bester in another popular sci fi series, Babylon Five.
Koenig's death was confirmed by his representatives, who said that he died on Sunday of natural causes at his North Hollywood home, according to reports in The Hollywood Reporter.
Announcing this news, Galactic Productions' founder, Zachary McGinnis said in a 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 also went on to praise Koenig for understanding "what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it".
Other Koenig's credits include Columbo, The Virginian and Futurama.
Koenig, who also worked as a director, writer and acting teacher, published his memoir, 'Warped Factors: A Neurotic's Guide to the Universe' in 1998.
He was married to actress Judy Levitt, who passed away in 2022. Their son Andrew, died in 2010, and Koenig is survived by his daughter, Danielle.
Following the news regarding his death, the official Instagram account for Star Trek paid this tribute to Koenig.
They said: "Rest among the stars Walter Koenig".
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Others who paid tribute, include George Takei, who starred alongside him as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek.
"My heart is heavy. Walter Koenig, our Ensign Pavel Chekov, passed away early today", Takei wrote on Instagram. "Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades".
"When Brad (Altman) and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man", he added. "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".
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