Hollywood Mourns Anton Yelchin: ‘He Was a True Artist’
“Star Trek” and “Alpha Dogs” Anton Yelchin died early Sunday morning in a freak car accident at the age of 27, his rep confirmed.
“Actor Anton Yelchin was killed in a fatal traffic collision early this morning,” said a statement from his representative. “His family requests you respect their privacy at this time.”
After news broke on Sunday afternoon, celebrities quickly took to social media to mourn the late actor. John Cho, who co-starred with him in the “Star Trek” reboot, called him “curious, beautiful, courageous.” “I’m in ruins,” he added.
Guillermo del Toro, who was set to direct Yelchin as part of the voice cast for the upcoming “Trollhunters,” called Yelchin “a great creative partner and artist.”
“Our hearts are heavy with this tragic news and Anton’s family and friends are in our thoughts,” said “Trollhunters” producers Netflix and DreamWorks Animation in a statement.”
Kat Dennings, who co-starred with him in “Charlie Bartlett,” called Yelchin one of her best friends. Anna Kendrick called the late actor “such a talent.”
The likes of Kevin Smith, John Francis Daley,and Jay Baruchel also paid tribute to the actor.
Yelchin died after being pinned between a brick mailbox pillar and his car early Sunday morning. Along with “Star Trek,” Yelchin was also known for roles in “Alpha Dog,” “Like Crazy” and “Terminator Salvation.”
His early career included a role as a series regular on the 2004-2006 Showtime series “Huff,” in which he co-starred with Hank Azaria as the lead character’s the 15-year-old son. Azaria remembered the actor on Sunday as “a very sweet kid.”
“Anton was an immense talent,” said his ‘Star Trek’ co-star Jason Matthew Smith in a statement. “Always so generous and giving with a bright smile and a quick wit. Not only was he a beloved and essential member of our Trek family, but also a brilliant star continuing to rise in the industry at large. My condolences and prayers to his family and to his legions of fans. Rest in Eternal Peace.”
See more reactions below, updated with more as they continue to roll in.
Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
I loved Anton Yelchin so much. He was a true artist – curious, beautiful, courageous. He was a great pal and a great son. I'm in ruins.
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a bright, brilliant talent, and a truly kind person. I was so taken by him, and won't ever forget his sweet smile. RIP
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) June 19, 2016
our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people… https://t.co/zgTxXmyrbD
— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) June 19, 2016
We're saddened to report the passing of Anton Yelchin, best known as Chekov @StarTrekMovie https://t.co/dgpY0gSuem pic.twitter.com/EXMCAJsKgx
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) June 19, 2016
Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) June 19, 2016
I am utterly heartbroken about this terrible news. Anton Yelchin was a gift to this world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) June 19, 2016
Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a great performer with a bright future. Sincere condolences to his family.
— John Francis Daley (@JohnFDaley) June 19, 2016
This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) June 19, 2016
Anton was ("was" fucking hell) a brilliant, shining human with a lovely soul. Rest in peace, bud.
— Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) June 19, 2016
Any young actor who wants to see someone doing it for real watch anything Anton Yelchin ever did….. Fabulous actor who will be missed.
— Charlie Weber (@TheCharlieWeber) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) June 19, 2016
UUUUGGHHHH! RT @IMDb: 'Star Trek' actor Anton Yelchin dies in car crash at age 27: https://t.co/wEsvPnZ80U #RIP pic.twitter.com/p6JTrwXvUT
— Tracie Thoms (@traciethoms) June 19, 2016
Cant believe it. RIP Anton Yelchin. Always admired his work.
— Thomas Mann (@thomas_mann) June 19, 2016
In absolute shock over the loss of #AntonYelchin. Absolutely horrible
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) June 19, 2016
REST IN PEACE, MR. YELCHIN pic.twitter.com/5Ld3bGphQk
— Bryan Fuller (@BryanFuller) June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin just died in a car wreck. So damn sad. I met him and his Mom on a plane once. They were very sweet. https://t.co/OtkoO4HisG
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) June 19, 2016
Devastated about Anton Yelchin. He was a very sweet kid. My heart goes out to his family
— Hank Azaria (@HankAzaria) June 19, 2016
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