Shutterstock/RoidRanger
The young actor who played Pavel Chekov in the recent Star Trek movies, Anton Yelchin, has died. Yelchin died earlier today after a freak accident when he was pinned between his car and his home’s gate and mailbox. Friends found him when he failed to show up for a rehearsal. He was just 27.
Yelchin was best known for his work in the Star Trek reboot feature films — Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and the upcoming Star Trek Beyond. He also starred in films like Terminator Salvation, Charlie Bartlett, Fright Night, Like Crazy, Odd Thomas, and Only Lovers Left Alive. Yelchin also provided the voice of Clumsy Smurf in the recent Smurf movies and games.
Viewers may also remember the actor for his role as Byrd Huffstodt in the two-season Huff TV series on HBO. Yelchin also made many guest shots on television programs like The Practice, ER, Curb Your Enthusiasm, NYPD Blue, Criminal Minds, Without a Trace, and the Taken mini-series.
It was recently announced that he had joined the voice cast of the Trollhunters animated series for Dreamworks Animation and Netflix. It’s unclear if he had recorded any work on this project.
JJ Abrams, the director of the first two Trek reboot movies, posted the following note on Twitter:
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Beyond director Justin Lin and others posted their condolences as well:
Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.
— Justin Lin (@justinlin) June 19, 2016
I can't believe it , I m fckn hurting bad !
— Karl Urban (@KarlUrban) 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
https://twitter.com/wilw/status/744602962425569280
I was hoping this wasn't true. Such a talented young actor taken way too soon. Very sad. https://t.co/uaRRTJIq2w
— Michael Dorn (@akaWorf) June 19, 2016
I am so saddened by the death of Anton Yelchin. He was an amazing person. He always made me feel at home on the set. 🙁
— Chris Doohan (@ChrisDoohan) June 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/adam_nimoy/status/744606235689836545
Sad news for such a talented young man. Condolences to the family of Anton Yelchin.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/OfficialKat/status/744594940403974144
The sweetest, most humble, delightful, talented guy you'd ever meet. Worked together for about a year. Shocked. https://t.co/uyg2NlmhqP
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist.
— Guillermo del Toro (@RealGDT) June 19, 2016
https://twitter.com/tylershields/status/744595006501982208
https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/744606716428488704
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
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
What do you think? Do you have a favorite memory of Anton Yelchin and his work?
I will miss this young actor’s excellent theatrical art. I have admired him since “Huff,” and he was brilliant in “5 to 7.”