Note: As I was writing this today (10/29/2026) I heard of the passing of dear Patrick Stewart. I will do a memorial of him soon. What an awful week.
As you know by now, the wonderful actor and author Walter Koenig has passed on at age 90. Walter was, of course most recognized as Ensign Pavel Chekov on Star Trek, TOS, and fans all over the world are taking pause to remember both his beloved character and the man himself.
I was so sad to hear of his passing, and when I saw this recent photo of Walter with his friend George Takei, it was clear to see that he was not well. Sadly, in the past decade-plus he tragically lost both his beloved son Andrew in 2010 and his wife, Judy in 2022. I cannot imagine the emotional devastation, but Walter carried on, and was always there for Star Trek fans and his admirers. A true gentleman through and through. Prayers for George.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Koenig in 1995, and he was so delightful and kind. There was a mini Star Trek Convention at a local site only minutes from my neighborhood! Walter was the featured guest, and he gave a fine talk about Star Trek and also of his then current series, the excellent Babylon 5. My friend Jay, who worked with me then at Sears also attended. He asked if Walter’s hand signal sign-off as the evil character Bester in B5 was an homage to the famous “Village” sign off in the TV series The Prisoner – “Be seeing you!” IYKYK .Walter said it was indeed a deliberate homage, as the creator of the series, J. Michael Straczynski was a big fan of that cult series! The other thing I remember from his talk was the funny story of a fan mistaking him for Davy Jones in Germany! It happened a lot, and, well, they did both have those striking brown eyes! What a delight that he was here in my hometown!
After the talk I was waiting in the auditorium to meet and get Walter’s autograph, I noticed this beautiful blond woman sitting in the front row with a cage of, of all things, fledgling chicks. It turns out that she was Walter’s loving wife, actress Judy Levitt, and I asked her about the young chicks and she told me that they were California Condors! I’m sorry I didn’t get a picture of the chicks, but I remember they were all gray with big bulgy eyes!
When the time came to get Walter’s autograph, I stood there feeling a bit silly in my red home-made Star Fleet uniform, but when I met Walter and showed him an interview in a recent Star Trek Anniversary Magazine, he smiled and called Judy over to take a look! He signed the magazine for me, and thanked me for showing it to him. I’m guessing he hadn’t seen it! Such a genuine, kind man and a lovely person, I am honored to have met him. Here’s some pictures from that event:
Walter and Me! What a sweet guy!
Years later, I had come across an ad in a an old magazine for Harlon indoor/outdoor carpet. The copy read: Does your Husband have a hobby? That ‘husband’ looks awfully familiar…
I sent Walter a note on (then) Twitter with the question: “Walter, is that you?” Unfortunately, I didn’t copy his response, but he roughly alluded to it with something like “Could be!” 😀
As some of you know, after I started this blog in 2011(!) I made many silly Star Trek Collages and I shared this one with Walter online:
To my delight, I received an actual e-mail from Walter, that I’ve never erased! I’m so glad he liked it!
Although I am saddened by Walter’s passing, it warms me to think he’s with his wife and beloved son again. My deepest sympathy to his daughter, Danielle, whom I hope is surrounded with love. Rest in Paradise, Walter, with all our love.
Here’s a few more images from Walter’s life. Actor, Writer, Activist, Friend. So much more that Chekov.
