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TREKCORE >
SPECIALS >
Ten Forward: Discussing Walter
Koenig
 Date Published: March
25,
2007
Author:
John Tenuto
Discussing Walter Koenig Sociologists
discuss the "Contact Hypothesis" as a potential reason why some people
are prejudice while others do not have these beliefs. The notion is that
those who have more contact with unsimilar persons are more likely to
see individuals rather than stereotypes. Going to college, for example,
has the benefit of students interacting with people of multifarious
experiences. Friendships and contact help build quality relationships
and limit prejudiced beliefs.
Walter Koenig accomplished something similar to this sociological
hypothesis when he portrayed Pavel Chekov of Star Trek. The
sensibilities of modern society forget how radical the notion was to
feature a Russian with Star Trek during the Cold War of the 1960s. While
the character may have been written to bring different viewers to the
show, Gene Roddenberry was visionary presenting Chekov, saying that
those who are enemies will someday be friends. Walter Koenig portrayed
the character as a real person within the limitations of the Star Trek
narratives. With a lesser actor, Chekov could have easily been dismissed
or rejected by the audience. Instead, his Chekov helped show that
Russians, the enemy, were people, too. Through their weekly contact with
the reel character of Chekov, the audience could gain a better
appreciation for real world issues. That he may have helped dispel
prejudice or negative feelings to wards Russians with some viewers
speaks to both the power of the "Contact Hypothesis" and to the talent
of Walter Koenig, the actor.
Walter Koenig has been acting for nearly 50 years, with over 100
television appearances and nearly a dozen films. Most science fiction
fans are familiar with his roles of Pavel Chekov and Alfred Bester from
Babylon 5, with acting credits that feature Mr. Novak, Alfred Hitchcock
Presents, Ben Casey, I, Spy, and numerous plays. He is also a writer of
books and scripts, which include a film that was a finalist in the NY
Film Festival of 1996 and the science fiction favorite Land of the Lost
where he created the beloved character of Enik. His recent appearance as
Chekov in the fan film New Voyages: To Serve All My Days is riveting,
with a surprise ending that is genuinely emotional. This month, he is
featured with Star Trek Of Gods and Men. Fans can hope for a return of
Bester because J. Michael Straczynski has mentioned that he would like
the character to be featured with one of Warner Brothers new Babylon 5
DVD direct episodes. His teaching credits include lecturing at UCLA and
Walter Koenig has supported competitions to help further the arts.
Star Trek fans especially would enjoy seeing the variety of acting and
writing credits credited to Koenig.
Walter Koenig as
Chekov in Star Trek The Motion Picture.
Picture thanks to
www.walterkoenigsite.com
Koenig is a diverse entertainer. There is an irony
here, though. Koenig is the only Star Trek actor not allowed a Walk of
Fame star although he has a valid application. Started 1958, the Walk of
Fame chronicles Hollywood entertainment history. The application process
involves a nomination and $25,000 fee if the votes are positive
regarding the star. Starting in 1983, all the cast from the Kirk era
Star Trek are honored with stars for their work in film or television. (Shatner
1983, Nimoy 1985, Takei 1986, Kelley 1991, Nichols
1992, Doohan 2005). Gene Roddenberry was honored for creating the series
with his own star in 1986.
Patricia Wright is a retired social worker and journalist who is leading
the campaign to help Walter Koenig with his star. It is Wright who
nominated Koenig for the star this year. Her website, originally
designed to discuss fan fiction and Russian history, is now the official
website for Walter Koenig. Wright discusses, “It has since become not
only a resource for fan fiction writers, but has been used by several
high school classes beginning to study Russian culture and history.”
This all leads to the issue as to why Walter Koenig does not have a
star. Some have speculated that it is because one or more of the
committee feel that there are too many Star Trek actors with Walk of
Fame stars. Others suggest it is merely the limited number of stars
available. According to the Walk of Fame, nearly 200 people apply for
stars each year, with only about 20 awarded. Wright discusses, "The Walk
of Fame committee meetings are closed, their minutes are private, and
they don’t make known the name of the committee members. So there is no
way to know, in fact, why Walter has not yet received his star. In a
published response to a fan’s email in August 2006, however, Chairman
Johnny Grant stated 'I agree that Walter should have a star and have
voted for him each time his name has come up... I will continue to vote
for Walter and try to convince the entire committee to do likewise.' I
fervently hope with the efforts of the fans and Mr. Grant that Walter
will finally be awarded his star in the committee's next vote."
Walter Koenig in a
publicity shot for the fan
movie "Of
Gods and Men" Appropriate to the
multicultural character of Star Trek, the campaign for Walter’s star is
a international endeavor. Celebrities like Nichelle Nichols and George
Takei, websites Roddenberry.com and robertpicardo.net among others,
actively campaign for the star. Greg Evans of New Voyages has helped
bring the campaign to Spain, Germany, Portugal, and Italy. Israeli
websites have helped. Famous Star Trek fan Bjo Trimble has provided
advice regarding letter writing. Those fans who wish to help should
learn about the campaign at Walterkoenigsite.com which features
information on how fans could help by writing letters to the Hollywood
Chamber of Commerce and Walk of Fame committee chairman Johnny Grant.
Fans who wish to help need to write letters
quickly because voting occurs June 2007. Wright mentions that “It may take thousands of letters to convince
them.” For merely the amount of entertainment Koenig has provided, a
star is deserved. Considering that Koenig’s acting may have helped
promote compassion and limit prejudice, a Walk of Fame star is required.
For more information, click here:
www.walterkoenigsite.com
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