Walter Koenig: Star Trek's Chekov and Babylon 5's Bester Dies at 90

Walter Koenig was an American actor and writer. Born on September 14, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, he studied at UCLA and the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York before beginning his career.

He played Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series from its second season and in the six original-cast Star Trek films. He later played the recurring role of Alfred Bester on Babylon 5, voiced President Anton Chekov in an episode of Star Trek: Picard, and had guest roles on shows including Ironside, Columbo and Diagnosis Murder. He also wrote for television and published books, including his autobiography Warped Factors.

His talent agent said he died of natural causes at his home in North Hollywood, surrounded by family, on October 25, 2026, at age 90.

Achievements: Chekov in Star Trek (series and six films), Alfred Bester in Babylon 5, Platinum Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards for Mr. Fleischmann.

Birth: September 14, 1936 - Chicago, Illinois.

Profession: Actor and writer.

Interesting Facts: He wrote the Star Trek animated series episode The Infinite Vulcan.