Last Sunday Walter Koenig, well known for his character Ensign Pavel Chekov on the Star Trek television series, passed away at the age of 90.
Born in Chicago to a family of Russian heritage, Mr. Koenig carried of a Russian accent for years as the ensign on the USS Enterprise, representing a hopeful future at a time that the US and Soviet Union were stuck in a Cold War. He learned his accent from his father, who was an immigrant from the Soviet-bloc.
In addition to the original Star Trek series, Mr. Koenig played Chekov in seven Star Trek films that followed that series. With his passing, the only two of the original cast are still with us – William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk) and George Takei (Hikaru Sulu).
William Shatner had this to say about his fellow Star Trek actor:
What I observed, and what so many fans have expressed over the years, was a man who genuinely loved the Star Trek community. At conventions, Walter was rarely content to remain behind a signing table. He preferred to be among the people who had kept Star Trek alive for so many decades. That kind of genuine connection is rare, and it will be remembered by everyone who came into contact with him.
You can read more on Mr. Koenig’s life and career at these sites:
Associated Press
Variety
USA Today
Rest in peace.
