LOS ANGELES — Walter Koenig, the actor best known for his role as Pavel Chekov on the groundbreaking television show “Star Trek” and in the franchise’s first seven movies, has died at age 90, his representative said Monday.

Koenig died overnight at his home in North Hollywood in Los Angeles, his agent Zachery McGinnis said in a statement, citing the cause of “old age” without further details.

The actor was known for playing the youthful Russian navigator Chekov in the original television series, as well as in several “Star Trek” feature films.

“Today we mourn the passing of Walter Koenig, whose talent, warmth, and unforgettable performances left a lasting mark on generations of fans around the world,” read the statement. “Thank you, Walter, for the memories, the inspiration, and for boldly going where few have gone before.”

The actor died surrounded by his daughter and niece, added the statement.

Ensign Pavel Chekov first appeared in the iconic series at the start of its second season, in 1967.

The character was meant to appeal to younger viewers. William Shatner, who played (Captain James T Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) were both in their mid-thirties at the onset of the series, nearly over the hill by the era’s standards.

Koenig was 30 when he was cast, and producers hoped he’d appeal to teens, with his mop-top hairstyle not unlike Davy Jones of the Monkees, the famed TV-produced pop band.