Good day OTOY. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful candid interview conducted with our beloved actor, Walter Marvin Koenig. It was truly a delight to delve into the depths of his experiences and gain a deeper understanding of his portrayal of the iconic character, Pavel Chekov. Mr. Koenig's portrayal of Chekov has not only stirred our imaginations but has also inspired hope and dignity. Through his brilliant performance, he has captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the Star Trek franchise. It is through his dedication and talent that we have come to cherish the character of Chekov and the values he represents. I am particularly grateful for the insight provided into the behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped Mr. Koenig's subsequent work. Learning about these relatable experiences has enriched our understanding of his craft and deepened our appreciation for his contributions to the world of entertainment. Please accept my sincerest gratitude for bringing us this remarkable interview. It is through efforts like yours that we are able to connect with the artists who have shaped our lives and continue to inspire us. Your dedication to preserving and sharing the legacy of classic Star Trek and Motion Picture content is truly commendable. Once again, thank you for your invaluable contribution to the Star Trek community. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to more enlightening and inspiring content from OTOY. With deepest appreciation
This was very touching! I can totally relate to Koenig feeling like a nobody in this situation, but never ceasing to find redemption and be reborn! ✨🙏🏽✨ Glad this turned into his advantage!
When I first watched his portrayal of Bester, I thought it was a bit wooden. However, I changed my mind after watching the series recently. I think he got the cold, calculating, psychopath down pretty well.
I always thought of Chekov as Kirk’s protégé. I get that Kirk had Yeomen and Chekov was several ranks below Kirk. Just from their interactions though, and Chekov’s loyalty. Even in the JJ-verse, Kirk seemed like he was mentoring him. Maybe it’s also because Walter Koenig was one of the only lower-ranked character-actors who didn’t hate William Shatner, lol.
It's probably just me. But to this day. Even having watched TOS in its entirety, every few years since the early 90's (it's about time again). I can't from the top of my head say, what Chekov's function was. He did a little bit of everything, didn't he? Command, tactical/weapons, comms, piloting, security, engineering. Maybe this is why you felt, that he was Kirks protégé. Gaining experience in "all" fields, is typical for someone on the command track, IRL. Though, as we learned in the movies, Zulu made captain first.
You know when he first came on the show, some episodes had scenes that were originally written for George Takei’s character. And because of his unexpected absence for the first nine episodes that they filmed at least a couple of episodes originally written for him they had to rewrite for Walter Koenig who first joined the cast. At least by the time Takei came back he not only still got to do a couple of those episodes that had these exciting scenes written for his character, but he also ended up making a best friend whom at first he considered to be a “nemesis”. Which is one of the best experiences he had with working on Star Trek. Those two actors have been BFFs ever since they first met each other, and still keep in contact even to the date.
His work on Land of the Lost creating Enik was also brilliant in the episode "The Stranger". It created a whole mythos of the series and huge amount of depth!
With all due respect to Walter Koenig, my favorite episode of TAS was Yesteryear. That episode really showed more of Spock's background and his love for his pet Sheh'lat.
Chechov ( sorry, don't know how it's spelled) was one of my favorites. When I watched the OG Star Trek, he was one of my favorites since he was closer to my age
walter, i think they did you dirty cutting chekov out of the animated series. im glad you were able to find a niche writing for it. live long and prosper mr koenig. btw funny story, near where i live theres a koenig road that i pass frequently. and, of course, i think of you every time i pass lol.
Wonderful work by OTOY. On to the elephant in the room... I wonder if there was some friction between Walter and Gene. In the Futurama episode, Where No Fan Has Gone Before, th-cam.com/video/al6oU9aKVkc/w-d-xo.html Bender asks: Uh, can people who hate "Star Trek" leave? Walter Koenig: Good question! Melllvar: No, they have to stay even longer. Hilarious but as a firm believer that at the heart of a joke there is a kernel of truth, I wonder if that may have been why he was not included in the animated series. Once again, these OTOY productions are brilliant.
I thought it was always explained as budget restrictions, despite Nimoy fighting to get all of the original case on board. I had not heard Gene having brushed off Keonig before. I thought Gene leaned toward supporting the cast as well.
100% a regrettable and disrespectful time in ST history ..... the least they could have done was give him a moment in the series to explain why he isnt there
I agree. But sadly, it is this way, to this day. Not just in Hollywood, but in many industries. It's business, nothing personal. As an actor, you are an employee first and foremost, not a friend. Even worse, in most cases, you are a "freelance" employee. When the contract runs out, you are on your own.
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When D.C. Fontana says that the episode you wrote was the best of the series - that's really saying something.
Pavel Chekov should been in every show with the original Star Trek
I think so too. It didn't feel right when he wasn't on the bridge, and the same feeling was there when Uhura and Sulu weren't always around.
Live long and prosper Walter.
Koenig's Chekov was just brilliant.
Good day OTOY. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful candid interview conducted with our beloved actor, Walter Marvin Koenig. It was truly a delight to delve into the depths of his experiences and gain a deeper understanding of his portrayal of the iconic character, Pavel Chekov.
Mr. Koenig's portrayal of Chekov has not only stirred our imaginations but has also inspired hope and dignity. Through his brilliant performance, he has captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the Star Trek franchise. It is through his dedication and talent that we have come to cherish the character of Chekov and the values he represents.
I am particularly grateful for the insight provided into the behind-the-scenes experiences that shaped Mr. Koenig's subsequent work. Learning about these relatable experiences has enriched our understanding of his craft and deepened our appreciation for his contributions to the world of entertainment.
Please accept my sincerest gratitude for bringing us this remarkable interview. It is through efforts like yours that we are able to connect with the artists who have shaped our lives and continue to inspire us. Your dedication to preserving and sharing the legacy of classic Star Trek and Motion Picture content is truly commendable.
Once again, thank you for your invaluable contribution to the Star Trek community. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to more enlightening and inspiring content from OTOY.
With deepest appreciation
Walter/Chekov should have been in the animated series.
This was very touching! I can totally relate to Koenig feeling like a nobody in this situation, but never ceasing to find redemption and be reborn! ✨🙏🏽✨ Glad this turned into his advantage!
Great Interview with Walter.
He should have, absolutely, been in the 1972/73 Animated Star Trek!
Loved him as Bester in Babylon 5
When I first watched his portrayal of Bester, I thought it was a bit wooden. However, I changed my mind after watching the series recently. I think he got the cold, calculating, psychopath down pretty well.
@nofutureproductions9242 to me it really showed his acting range.
This is lovely. You start showing pics of him in black and white and everyone's heart is going to briefly sink thinking that he's passed away.
Thank you, Walter, for being such an essential part of Star Trek. I loved Chekov just as much as the rest of the crew. You were wonderful!
I always thought of Chekov as Kirk’s protégé. I get that Kirk had Yeomen and Chekov was several ranks below Kirk. Just from their interactions though, and Chekov’s loyalty. Even in the JJ-verse, Kirk seemed like he was mentoring him. Maybe it’s also because Walter Koenig was one of the only lower-ranked character-actors who didn’t hate William Shatner, lol.
It's probably just me. But to this day. Even having watched TOS in its entirety, every few years since the early 90's (it's about time again).
I can't from the top of my head say, what Chekov's function was.
He did a little bit of everything, didn't he?
Command, tactical/weapons, comms, piloting, security, engineering.
Maybe this is why you felt, that he was Kirks protégé.
Gaining experience in "all" fields, is typical for someone on the command track, IRL.
Though, as we learned in the movies, Zulu made captain first.
You know when he first came on the show, some episodes had scenes that were originally written for George Takei’s character. And because of his unexpected absence for the first nine episodes that they filmed at least a couple of episodes originally written for him they had to rewrite for Walter Koenig who first joined the cast. At least by the time Takei came back he not only still got to do a couple of those episodes that had these exciting scenes written for his character, but he also ended up making a best friend whom at first he considered to be a “nemesis”. Which is one of the best experiences he had with working on Star Trek. Those two actors have been BFFs ever since they first met each other, and still keep in contact even to the date.
I had the pleasure of meeting and dining with Mr. Koenig at UNH back in the late 90's. He was a gracious and soft-spoken man, and still is of course.
God bless Dorothy {DC} Fontana and Walter Koenig 🖖🖖🖖respect and meaning is what life is actually about ...
I think Mr. Koenig got some of his own back in the TOS film series, especially the scene when he's in the command chair: "Do it."
His work on Land of the Lost creating Enik was also brilliant in the episode "The Stranger". It created a whole mythos of the series and huge amount of depth!
I love the original cast. Grew up on the TOS movies.
Great actor. Great character.
Walter is 88 this year. And still with us, I am happy too say.
With all due respect to Walter Koenig, my favorite episode of TAS was Yesteryear. That episode really showed more of Spock's background and his love for his pet Sheh'lat.
Which was written by Fontana herself though.
@@Emphyrio7 yes it was
Walter and my stepdad look so much alike. It’s always good to see him.
Chechov ( sorry, don't know how it's spelled) was one of my favorites. When I watched the OG Star Trek, he was one of my favorites since he was closer to my age
More, now!
Please...
Great interview, @OTOY, but I hope there’s a part 2 and hopefully more.
I would watch you anytime of day
I remember staying up till 11pm.watching Star Trek with my Dad, he was there for the Love interest (Ladies) of Captain Kirk 😍💞
Anybody else here worried about that recurring facial tic he seems to have all of a sudden?
Yes I am concerned about that tic called Hemifacial Tic. I hope he reads this and goes to a specialist 😊.
walter, i think they did you dirty cutting chekov out of the animated series. im glad you were able to find a niche writing for it. live long and prosper mr koenig. btw funny story, near where i live theres a koenig road that i pass frequently. and, of course, i think of you every time i pass lol.
❤❤❤❤❤
Wonderful work by OTOY.
On to the elephant in the room... I wonder if there was some friction between Walter and Gene.
In the Futurama episode, Where No Fan Has Gone Before, th-cam.com/video/al6oU9aKVkc/w-d-xo.html
Bender asks: Uh, can people who hate "Star Trek" leave?
Walter Koenig: Good question!
Melllvar: No, they have to stay even longer.
Hilarious but as a firm believer that at the heart of a joke there is a kernel of truth, I wonder if that may have been why he was not included in the animated series.
Once again, these OTOY productions are brilliant.
I thought it was always explained as budget restrictions, despite Nimoy fighting to get all of the original case on board. I had not heard Gene having brushed off Keonig before. I thought Gene leaned toward supporting the cast as well.
Yes, I missed Chekov in the animation! I couldn't figure out who or what that was in his chair!!??!!??!!!
The question is..why did Leonard reuse to do it unless George was in it and not refuse to do it unless Walter was in it?
*175TH* like!
I actually thought Walter Koenig was Russian because of his surname 'Koenig".
His parents were
100% a regrettable and disrespectful time in ST history ..... the least they could have done was give him a moment in the series to explain why he isnt there
I agree. But sadly, it is this way, to this day. Not just in Hollywood, but in many industries.
It's business, nothing personal.
As an actor, you are an employee first and foremost, not a friend.
Even worse, in most cases, you are a "freelance" employee. When the contract runs out, you are on your own.