Walter Koenig, Ensign Chekov on the original 'Star Trek' series, dies at 90

Actor Walter Koenig, best known for playing Ensign Pavel Chekov on the original Star Trek series and later films, has died at 90. Koenig died Monday at his home in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, according to talent agent Zachery McGinnis. Star Trek ran on NBC from 1966 to 1969, and Chekov was the Enterprise bridge staff’s only Communist-bloc member, portrayed as friendly and supportive to suggest cooperation between rival nations. Koenig was born Sept. 14, 1936, in Chicago, studied acting at New York’s The Neighborhood Playhouse, and graduated from UCLA in 1958. His legacy included seven Star Trek movies starting in 1979, plus convention appearances and teaching roles.