Actor Anton Yelchin died earlier today (June 19) in a car crash in southern California’s San Fernando Valley. He was 27 years old.
Yelchin played Pavel Chekov in three Star Trek movies, including this year’s Star Trek Beyond, which will now be released posthumously on July 22. Star Trek‘s official account has paid tribute to the actor.
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
Yelchin’s Star Trek co-star John Cho, who plays Hikaru Sulu, described him as “a great pal and a great son”.
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
Other fellow actors including Chris Evans, Olivia Wilde, Abigail Breslin and Anna Kendrick have also paid their respects on Twitter.
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
So sad to hear about Anton Yelchin, always been one of my favorite actors… Condolences to his family and friends… RIP
— SOPHOMORE(abigail breslin) (@yoabbaabba) June 19, 2016
My condolences to all who lost Anton Yelchin. He was a great talent and it remains joy to watch his work.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) 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
Such sad news about Anton Yelchin. I only admired from afar, but a true artist and a real star in my eyes. Such a loss. Such a tragic loss.
— Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) June 19, 2016
Director Kevin Smith and horror author Stephen King have paid tribute too.
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
Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016
Meanwhile, 2 Broke Girls actress Kat Dennings described him as “one of my best friends”.
Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can't say anything that conveys what this feels like
— Kat Dennings (@OfficialKat) June 19, 2016
Yelchin’s other film roles included 2009’s Terminator Salvation, the 2011 romantic drama Like Crazy opposite Felicity Jones, and Jim Jarmusch’s cult 2013 vampire movie Only Lovers Left Alive. Green Room, an acclaimed horror film in which Yelchin starred opposite Patrick Stewart and Imogen Poots, opened in cinemas last month (May).
The director of Like Crazy, Drake Doremus, said in a statement to Variety: “Anton was one of a kind. Such an old soul who was one of the most sincere but also funniest people I have ever met. “He taught me what being a humble and hard working artist is all about.”