Walter Koenig, Chekov in the original Star Trek, dies at 90

Walter Koenig, the actor who played Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series and several of its films, has died at 90. His representative confirmed the death, according to NBC News and The Guardian. The Guardian says the confirmation went to the Hollywood Reporter.

Koenig died at his home in north Hollywood, with his daughter and niece present, The Guardian reports. It cites a Facebook post by Zachery McGinnis, founder of Galactic Productions, an appearance agency that represented Koenig. The death was attributed to "old age". No other details were given.

The New York Times describes Chekov as the Russian navigator of the U.S.S. Enterprise and says Koenig appeared in the original series and seven films. BBC News says he later appeared in Babylon 5. The Guardian adds that he also worked as a writer.

PBS NewsHour notes that Chekov was the only Communist-bloc member of the Enterprise bridge staff. George Takei, Koenig's former co-star, mourned his death in a Facebook post on Monday, ABC News reports.