Walter Koenig, who played Chekov in the original ‘Star Trek’ series, died at age 90

NEED TO KNOW

• Walter Koenig died at the age of 90, his rep said on Oct. 26
• He famously played Enterprise navigator Pavel Chekov in the Star Trek franchise
• The actor’s official cause of death has been determined

Walter Koenig’s cause of death has been determined.

The Star Trek actor died at age 90, with his immediate cause of death listed as cardiopulmonary arrest with chronic diastolic congestive heart failure as an underlying cause, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The outlet also reported that acute renal failure was listed as a significant contributing condition, and that he was cremated on Oct. 30.

A rep for Koenig, who is best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov on Star Trek: The Original Series from 1967 to 1969, said in a statement on Monday, Oct. 26, that Koenig died “of old age at home in North Hollywood last night surrounded by his daughter and niece.”

“…Walter helped inspire audiences with his optimism, humor, and adventurous spirit. Beyond Star Trek, his long and distinguished career showcased his versatility as an actor and his genuine love for his craft,” his rep added in the statement. “His remarkable talent continued to shine in his later years, most recently with his performance in the short film Mr. Fleischmann, for which he received the Platinum Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Independent Shorts Awards — a fitting recognition of a lifetime devoted to his craft.”

The statement continued: “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.”

“On behalf of all of us, we extend our deepest condolences to Walter’s family, friends, colleagues, and the millions of fans whose lives he touched over the decades. Thank you, Walter, for the memories, the inspiration, and for boldly going where few have gone before. Rest in peace.”

Koenig, also known for Babylon 5, joined Star Trek in season 2 as Chekov, the Enterprise’s navigator. He returned to the role in 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture, 1982’s Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, 1984’s Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, 1986’s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, 1989’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, 1991’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and 1994’s Star Trek Generations.

Costar George Takei paid tribute to Koenig on Oct. 26, writing in an Instagram post that his heart was “heavy.”

“Walter and I met on the bridge of the Enterprise in the 1960s, and we stayed friends for nearly six decades. When Brad and I married in 2008, Walter stood beside us as our best man,” he wrote. “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.”

Takei, 89, added, “Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend. To the fans who loved him for so many years, thank you. He loved you too. Rest well, my dear friend. Keep navigating a steady course.”

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