Walter Koenig, actor who played Chekov on original "Star Trek" series, dies at age 90

Walter Koenig, the actor who played Pavel Chekov in the original "Star Trek" series and several movies, has died, his rep confirmed to CBS News. He was 90.

Koenig died Sunday night at his home in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, talent rep Zachery McGinnis said in a statement. He died surrounded by his daughter and niece, McGinnis said.

In "Star Trek," Ensign Chekov was the sole member of the spaceship Enterprise bridge staff from what was the Communist bloc. His friendly, supportive presence showed how the rival nations (in the far-off future in which the show was set) were capable of working together.

Speaking heavily Russian-accented English, Chekov embodied stereotypical Russian personality traits, including fierce pride, love of poetry and blind loyalty.

"Star Trek" ran on NBC from 1966 to 1969 and has had an almost unprecedented afterlife as fans, or Trekkies, kept interest in the show alive.

"My heart is heavy," Koenig's castmate, George Takei, said on social media. "Walter was more than Chekov. He was a writer, a teacher, a thoughtful man, and a loyal friend."

McGinnis noted that Koenig's legacy extended far beyond the screen.

"Through countless convention appearances and interactions with fans, he shared his kindness, wit, and appreciation with everyone fortunate enough to meet him. He understood what Star Trek meant to people and embraced the community that grew around it," McGinnis said. "Thank you, Walter, for the memories, the inspiration, and for boldly going where few have gone before."

Koenig played Chekov in seven "Star Trek" movies starting in 1979, as well as innumerable other spinoffs, including writing a "Star Trek" book, "Chekov's Enterprise," in 1980. The TV show has also inspired two spinoff TV series with new casts, and conventions that draw thousands of fans.

He returned to the science fiction genre with occasional appearances on the syndicated 1990s TV series "Babylon 5."