Walter Koenig, who played Chekov, died at 90

Actor Walter Koenig died at 90, according to his representative.

The representative stated that Koenig passed away of natural causes at his North Hollywood home on Sunday.

Koenig joined the Star Trek: The Original Series cast in 1967. He played Ensign Pavel Chekov for the second and third seasons, which aired between 1966 and 1969.

He later co-starred in six Star Trek films with William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk for the entire original run.

Shatner posted a tribute on X on Tuesday. He described himself as deeply saddened by the news of Koenig's passing.

Shatner noted that the two men did not know each other well off the set. However, they shared the later seasons of the series and the subsequent movie projects.

Shatner highlighted Koenig's interaction with fans. He wrote that Koenig rarely stayed behind a signing table at conventions. Instead, Koenig preferred to mingle with the people who kept the franchise alive.

Shatner called that kind of genuine connection rare. He said it would be remembered by everyone who came into contact with Koenig.

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, also honored his former castmate in a Facebook post on Monday.

Takei described Koenig as a writer, teacher, and loyal friend. He thanked the fans who loved Koenig for so many years, adding that Koenig loved them too.

Takei closed his post with a farewell. He asked Koenig to rest well and keep navigating a steady course.