https://edition.cnn.com/2026/10/26/entertainment/walter-koenig-death

Walter Koenig, Chekov of ‘Star Trek’ fame, dies at 90.


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Walter Koenig, who played exuberant Russian navigator Pavel Chekov on the original “Star Trek” series and many of the franchise’s ensuing films, has died at the age of 90.

The actor died “of old age at home in North Hollywood” on Sunday, his agent Zachery McGinnis said in an email.

Although Koenig’s Chekov – with his modified mop-top haircut and thick accent – is remembered as a critical crew member aboard the USS Enterprise, he was actually added to the program in its second season as creator Gene Roddenberry was looking to add a youthful sex symbol to the show.

“They were looking for somebody who would create the same kind of following that Davy Jones and The Monkees had,” Koenig said in a Star Trek DVD special feature interview.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shatner

Shatner in 2026
Born      March 22, 1931 (age 95)
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/William_Shatner_Photo_Op_GalaxyCon_Richmond_2026.jpg

Wow I’m in awe of their longevity.
Our fave sci fi series was Star Trek!
I have both sets of DVDs and a Star Trek wall clock!
RIP Chekov
Some amusing quotes from his character in Star Trek series.

On proximity to Klingons (The Trouble with Tribbles)
Kirk: "How close will we come to the nearest Klingon outpost if we continue on our present course?"
Chekov: "Vun parsec, sir. Close enough to smell them."
Spock: "That is illogical, ensign. Odors cannot travel through the vacuum of space."
Chekov: "I was making a little joke, sir."

After beaming aboard:
Chekov: "No casualties reported, Doctor."
Bones: "Wrong, Mr. Chekov. There are casualties: my wits!"

On Human Rights (from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country):
Chekov: "We do believe all planets have a sovereign claim to inalienable human rights."

---

Will he get a burial in space?

In Star Trek IV: The one with the whales, Chekov seemed to forget where and when he was, when he was captured by the US Navy. Always thought that scene odd.

His best scene was when he meets Khan in Star Trek 2

Chekhov gun principal was: don't introduce a gun unless you are going to fire it.

Jasin wrote on Oct 27^th, 2026 at 1:13pm:

His best scene was when he meets Khan in Star Trek 2

And discussion has been going on for decades amongst the 'Trekkies' about how Khan recognized Chekov in The Wrath of Khan because Chekov wasn't in Space Seed, the original series episode where we see Khan for the first time.

There was a joke about how Khan actually met Chekov in Space Seed. Khan wanted to go to the toilet on the Enterprise but he had to wait for some time for Chekov to finish before he could use it (off camera, of course) and this is why Khan immediately recognized Chekov in The Wrath of Khan even though it was 15 years later.  ;D

It may have been Koenig himself who came up with the joke, I can't remember.

RIP Walter Koenig.

Carl D wrote on Oct 27^th, 2026 at 1:53pm:

Jasin wrote on Oct 27th, 2026 at 1:13pm: His best scene was when he meets Khan in Star Trek 2 And discussion has been going on for decades amongst the 'Trekkies' about how Khan recognized Chekov in The Wrath of Khan because Chekov wasn't in Space Seed, the original series episode where we see Khan for the first time. There was a joke about how Khan actually met Chekov in Space Seed. Khan wanted to go to the toilet on the Enterprise but he had to wait for some time for Chekov to finish before he could use it (off camera, of course) and this is why Khan immediately recognized Chekov in The Wrath of Khan even though it was 15 years later.  ;D It may have been Koenig himself who came up with the joke, I can't remember. RIP Walter Koenig.

Good one Carl 👍
Koenig did the moment well.
In just the moment he says "KHAN!"  :o
He invoked disbelief in Khan still being alive. Fear of Khan because he was the most dangerous adversary of the entire Star Trek narrative and brought the audience in with him to understand what Khan really meant.
The moment was supported with one of the greatest acting performances of all time by Ricardo Mountbatten.

In regards to your post Carl. Remember Chekov says "...Botany Bay!"  :o in his realisation.
It proves that Chekov needn't have met Khan directly to know what this meant: KHAN.

...and now we lose Patrick Stewart.