A Conversation with Walter Koenig, Star Trek's Chekov (1994)

In 1994, Paul Rosa interviewed Walter Koenig, Star Trek's "Ensign Chekov" at his home in Los Angeles. Until now, this interview has been archived. Paul has kindly allowed it to appear for the first time online on The Life Arts Network. Copyright PDR Film and Video.
Walter's new Autobiography: amzn.to/31pYo8t
Walter's 1998 Autobiography: amzn.to/3klH1hV
Walter's dystopic Graphic Novel: amzn.to/2EPapfZ

[@middleburgprepper2342]

Enjoyed Mr. Koenig immensely as Chekov. He really owned the part. Such an awesome actor and writer.

[@thathappyrat]

He’s a good actor, but even more than that he’s a very good writer. His autobiography is terrific, and i can’t recommend his narration of its audiobook version enough.

[@LifeArtsNetwork]

I'll check it out. Thanks for the recommendation and for watching!

[@romansroad2007]

Do you have a link to hear it ??

[@ericseabury3968]

Walter Koenig as a guest star on “The Lieutenant” made me come here. Koenig’s performance as SGT John Delwyn was spectacular and worthy of an Emmy. I like Walter Koenig’s performance as Pavel Chekov but he’s much better than just playing Chekov. His views on acting was insightful.

[@shamupeterson2874]

His book on the making of the first film is also very well and cleverly written. Chekov’s Enterprise.

[@booksarebest363]

His laugh is incredibly adorable. At 35:56 his giggle is so high pitched 💜

[@Bryan198026]

He just seems like a really nice guy.

[@pooie0116]

I had a close encounter with Walter Koenig nearly 30 years ago (come to think of it, the same year as this interview). Very brief, not much of a conversation, but he struck me as very unassuming and kind. Just a really nice guy without any trace of the overblown ego that one might expect from a Hollywood actor with a wildly popular,. recognizable and iconic role.

[@Kingofallfunnelheads]

The interviewer Paul Rosa is rather good. He is respectful and asks pertinent and fun questions.

[@Ianniebammy]

I love Walter Koenig! Met him at a convention and quite pleased. Awesome actor.

[@markjordan4994]

Walter Koenig is a very talented man. I'm surprised that there are only been six comments on this interview. Yes, he frequently makes what he does look easy, but that doesn't mean that it IS easy!

[@ericseabury3968]

I always thought there should had been an “Enterprise-B” series during the 90s, with Sulu as Captain, Koenig as First Officer Chekov and Sulu’s daughter still at the helm. We could had seen “Star Trek” continue on in the 23rd century, where the Sulu and Chekov characters could had been more fleshed out.

[@corwinmorton3411]

He is another very interesting man that I had the distinct honor of meeting personally several several times and he keeps getting better and better it seems

[@kathynavarro-sochel755]

Thank you for being so genuine as a person and such a wonderful actor.

[@jessfrankel5212]

What an excellent interview. Like the interview with James Doohan and Nichelle Nichols, this interview is perfectly done. I have to compliment Mr. Rosa on his technique. Very much like (the late) Brian Linehan, he keeps the camera on the subject, asks only a few of the most pertinent questions, and comes prepared with facts to back up his questions. Excellent in every respect!

[@LifeArtsNetwork]

Thank you! I'll tell Paul! Yes, as lifelong Star Trek fans, were showed up extremely well prepared, yet just like you, we learned a ton about each actor we interviewed by talking to them before. Thanks again for watching and commenting. Paul will be thrilled by your compliment.

[@jessfrankel5212]

@@LifeArtsNetwork Thank you for the feedback. As a writer, it's something I'm used to, although I never expect anyone to reply. I was surprised to find out that he Mr. Koenig had heart surgery. He always seemed so fit and never seemed to have any issues. The things we learn...

[@jimmysapien9961]

Exactly Mr. Rosa. Is a gifted interviewer. Thank you Sir . I enjoyed it .

[@PDRFILMVIDEOsince]

Thank you. Walter was a very fun interview. Paul Rosa

[@patriciacvener1968]

Being a ballerina (which I was) is much like being an actor when it comes to rejection. Being an artist is quite a unique way of being. Koening has a wonderfully wry sense of humor - which shows in his writing, too.

[@HDnatureTV]

Watch the entire series - very good interviews with all the Star Trek cast. A++

[@ragzzytv]

to me he's not Chekov, he is Mr. Bester. He always will be. I watched star trek first and then B5, I loved little Chekov in Trek but man was he under utilized him. He didnt get enough stage to shine there. but in B5, he was an amazing villain. He's not your average villain who laughs like a thunder and twirls his mustache but that kind looking guy who has a dark side. its so beautiful.

[@Mogh]

This is a fantastic interview.

[@user-di2on5gl2d]

I had a slight crush on "Checkov" watching Star Trek when I was a little girl.

[@switchbladekid1365]

He's a most articulate fellow, isn't he?

[@williamkopko5775]

Your a great actor sir I couldn’t see Star Trek with out you. On the set

[@shawnschroeder9704]

I'm glad I found this. I really enjoy the interviews with Walter Koenig. He always comes off very intelligent. he's so well spoken, a very pleasant enjoyable command of language. And then I really dig this gentleman Mr Rosa interviewing him. Very soft spoken but easily to understand. he doesn't take away from the interview but asks questions politely. I'm struggling to find the right way to describe it. I'd say very charming. fantastic interview.

[@clarewillison9379]

Every member of TOS is a such a well-rounded multi-talented human, its astonishing (and wonderful). However, what’s not yo be overlooked is this whole series is a masterclass in interviewing. 👏🏼💐👏🏼

[@edwardwerick2420]

I was (and I am) an avid Star Trek fan and I rarely missed an episode. I consider Checkov to have been a principle character and became accustomed to his style of interacting with the rest of the cast. When I discovered the Babylon 5 series I reacted with amazement at the Alfred Bester character that Walter portrayed so magnificently. I remember wondering to myself where he found the resources within himself to play that role so wonderfully. A magnificent bastard! A man you love to hate! Marvelous! I recall a scene depicting a huge shoot out with the rouge telepaths on the station. The carnage was horrible. And there was Alfred, moaning about hemlines going back down! What an S.O.B. Your interview with Walter, Paul allowed him to present a glimpse of his "dark side" upon which he ,no doubt, drew to create Alfred Bester. My thanks to both you and Walter for this insight.

[@PDRFILMVIDEOsince]

Glad you like the interview. Paul Rosa

[@patriciacvener1968]

When I was a youngster, when Star Trek was new, I adored Chekhov because he sort of sounded like my grandfather (who was from Russia/Ukraine - came over during the time of the Tsar). I also tend to think of Chekhov as being, like me, Jewish. Even now, the character remains a favorite and I am one of those who sees Koenig as a very talented artist.

[@fm00078]

As you go down the supporting cast in any film or TV, of course you'll get fewer roles or screen time. After watching this, I think Walter was already mentally set for the lean times. Nearly any actor who gets down on themselves really can't handle it, Walter pulled through admirably. I ran across this series by the sidebar, GLAD I DID. Thanks L.A.N..

[@user-wj2zv1vd8y]

Oddly enough I've had this vague childhood memory of watching a TV program where God is a Puerto Rican janitor. When Walter mentioned the play "Steambath" I suddenly realized THAT was what I was trying to follow on the local PBS station when I was about 11 years old. I couldn't understand it but I was intrigued that God was a Puerto Rican janitor. (The play was apparently rewritten for TV and aired by a limited number of PBS channels.)

[@jimmysapien9961]

Great interesting interview 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@betsyfitze9022]

Walter aka Chekov I think 💬 you are a great person and when you did Chekov accent was great.❤❤(⁠•⁠‿⁠•⁠)(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

[@kevinwachs5905]

"Box and Cox" was written by J Madison Morton. Later, Arthur Sullivan composed a musical setting to an adaptation by F C Burnand. Koenig was mistaken to attribute the play to Sullivan.

[@jhanick]

Gene Roddenberry said that he intended to develop the back stories of the supporting characters much like they did for TNG.

[@pmajudge]

THANKS ! WALTER KOEING (CHEKOV) FROM U.K.(2022).

[@Murph_.]

I really don't see what he sees. I remember many episodes of Star Trek where Chekov's personality comes through and you can see who he is. Unfortunately, in those days, they didn't really do ensemble shows, but instead had specific stars and everyone else was, as Mr. Koenig says, was furniture. However, Gene Roddenberry did try to bring out something from each character even though they didn't have a lot of camera time or a lot of lines, and I felt like I knew the characters more than just what they did on the Enterprise.

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Kahn: I don't know you, sir..........but YOU. I never forget a face.....Mr..........Chekoooov.

[@keaton718]

Sounds like he made the most of his Star Trek fame.

[@ronwade2206]

Will outlive the Rest

[@jamesdye4603]

Mister Bester

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

Love this interview! When and where did it originally aired?

[@PDRFILMVIDEOsince]

It never actually aired. Shot at Walter's home in 1993. So glad it is posted here. Enjoy. Paul Rosa

[@tomv4408]

First time I've heard him speak without the Russian accent!

[@brettcooper3893]

A real shame what happened to his son.

[@PrevailPress]

Koenig did a fan-made film that was horrible with the exception of his scenes. I've used that film to show the difference between amateurs and professionals.

[@mrmeerkat1096]

I think star trek has a agreement or rule that no star trek actors now or from the past can appear in any fan films anymore and the fan films can't be any longer then 15 minutes. Which the people who make these fan films are not happy with. Paramount or whoever won't challenge them or have the film taken down if they stick to these rules. I'm not 100% sure on the detail.

[@jimjohnston5719]

"Of Gods and Men" I assume you refer to. Referred to so many original series episodes.

[@williamkopko5775]

Like the others. I bet that you inspired others to boldly go. And keep the dream of star trek. You would of made a great federations captain. Or on deep space nine. .

[@Kingofallfunnelheads]

You guys wanna see Koenig being very evil? Check out the episode of "The Starlost" called "The Alien Oro". And also "The Return of Oro".

[@jay-day]

Did not realiz that Walter Koenig did a character on Babylon V - rarely watched the show. Nothing against it - just never watched it. I thought he was great on Stgar Trek., A scene in Trouble with Tribbles stands out when he's having a drink with Scottie at the bar just before the barroom brawl breaks out. He has an argument with Scottie over whether Scotch was better or Vodka. He insists, of course, that Scotch was actually Russian invention. SCottie counters with , |"Laddie, back where I come from, that's soda pop. Now Scotch, that's the drink for a man!" Stupid censors removed the line from some TV versions. TRibbles was a fan favorite both for the light commedic tone as well as the bvrilliant character development.

[@AMC2283]

Bester the psy cop was a great character

[@VideoNOLA]

Jiminy Cricket, that intro was excruciatingly long!

[@lincthomas7178]

is THAT how u say it, i always thought it was like it was spelt

[@777FreakyD]

Did I hear shots at Shatner when he's talking about Montalban having no ego

[@777FreakyD]

I saw that Raw Nerve episode. If memory serves, Shatner was oblivious to how he was perceived.

[@salvatorecompoccia530]

@Johnny G I agree. Walter Koenig seems to be much more fair and objective when it comes to discussing Shatner. Certainly compared to George Takei or the late James Doohan, who I always thought both took the animosity towards Shatner too far.

[@susanscott8653]

@@winkrogers1 I don't think you can blame actors for wanting to do some actual acting, as opposed to being just part of the background.

[@Elphaba1952]

I gather he never finished that book "The Man Who wasn't there"....

[@trekkiejunk]

Good writer. Good actor. Bad wig.

[@PDRFILMVIDEOsince]

I thought it was a great wig! Paul Rosa.

[@cheedevulan8547]

I love him (saying a lot as mostly I'm a man hater!) He is actually intelligent. Scotty...hes OK. Uhura.... Never liked her. Sulu... I HATE THE GUY AND THE CHARACTER. As somewhat bit part characters go, Chekov is perfect. As for Babylon, he's excellent. I wish Walter peace, prosperity and long life.

[@markequinox]

The interview looks like shatner with the curly toupee! lol!

[@b320max8]

i must say: as much as i´m convinced that he is not an outstanding (movie) actor i am convinced that he would have been better off as a scientist or philosopher as i get the feeling that this guy is a great and humble human being. "The fact that we are so disproportionally lauded for it doesn´t seem right" hits it right on the head. It must be so disappointing when people applaude you for just that one thing. Star trek (any one) is a cultural phenomenon but in it´s gravitas is WAY overrated. I certainly did not change MY live. I just liked Picard and the rest of the crew, growing up in a time where I as a ten year old found TOS cringeinducingly cheesy while certainly not being able to catch the hidden layers of morale and conduct...

[@ericseabury3968]

Watch Walter Koenig in an episode of “The Lieutenant”, where he played a Marine sergeant whose mother was a card-carrying member of the Communist Party. The name of the episode was “Mother Enemy” or “Enemy Mother”. Walter Koenig’s performance was incredibly natural. He’s much better than just playing Pavel Chekov.

[@b320max8]

@@ericseabury3968 i will. He is definitely a great person

[@garybishop4030]

He was also on Alfred Hitchcocks Presents

[@wrlord]

Sorta weird to see him with the toupee now.

[@DeMan59]

As good as Walter Koenig played Chekov, the character was really generic. Not his fault. The character was written that way. I think Koenig really shines as Psi-Corp agent Alfred Bester on Babylon 5. A so much more nuanced and meaty role. Bester is a truly evil man but he does show his humanity sometimes. Even when he could have destroyed Mr. Garibaldi he chose to be “magnanimous”. Lol.

[@VLADIMIR007ISH]

Nice wig

[@cynthiabradley-graziadei9693]

An adrenaline junky🙂

[@vardellsfolly5200]

Σο, he experienced for years great financial difficulties. It seems, despite their lovable persona, Shatner and Nimoy did not really care about their collaborators..

[@davidjacobs8558]

Shatner also experienced financial difficulties after Star Trek, living in his car for awhile. Nimoy brought him to his house to live there for awhile.

[@switchbladekid1365]

Actually, William Shatner is known for being an ass. I've spoken to two people who met him and who were shocked by how rude and entitled he was. One of them was a maitre 'd at the Polo Lounge.

[@zachhoward9099]

@@davidjacobs8558wow I never knew that, that’s wild

[@greenricee]

So his accent was just a act 😭

[@switchbladekid1365]

His parents were from Russia. It was his father's accent.

[@freddyfurrah3789]

Hey, hey, its Davy Jones..😅😅😅😅😅