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Star Trek's Koenig: Babylon 5 role his favorite
28 Oct
Summary
- Walter Koenig preferred his 'Babylon 5' role over 'Star Trek'.
- 'Babylon 5' role was a reunion with 'Bring 'Em Back Alive' co-star.
- Koenig considered Alfred Bester his career highlight.
Walter Koenig, widely recognized for his portrayal of Ensign Pavel Chekov in "Star Trek," held a special fondness for his role as Alfred Bester in the 1990s science-fiction series "Babylon 5." This part, a villainous Psi Corps officer, brought him into conflict with Bruce Boxleitner's character, Captain John Sheridan.
Interestingly, Koenig and Boxleitner had previously worked together in the 1980s show "Bring 'Em Back Alive." In that series, Boxleitner played adventurer Frank Buck, and Koenig guest-starred as a Nazi named Toder. Despite the shared history and similar pulp adventure styling, "Bring 'Em Back Alive" did not achieve the success of films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Koenig's involvement in "Babylon 5" was almost derailed by a heart attack. However, creator J. Michael Straczynski rewrote the role of Alfred Bester specifically for him, transforming what was planned as a minor appearance into a recurring part throughout all five seasons. Koenig expressed that he considered this role the pinnacle of his acting career.
