The world of cinema was stunned this weekend, following news of the sudden passing of young actor Anton Yelchin.
Russian-American actor Yelchin died after being crushed by his car at home in Los Angeles. He was aged just 27.
Perhaps best known for his performances as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek and its sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness, tributes from the acting world poured in following news of Yelchin’s passing.
JJ Abrams, who directed Yelchin in both Star Trek films paid tribute to a ‘brilliant’ actor with a handwritten note.
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) June 19, 2016
Shared from the official Twitter account of Abrams’ production company Bad Robot, the note reads:
‘Anton – you were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. And you weren’t here nearly long enough. Missing you…’
Abrams’ message joins a number or tributes from Yelchin’s Star Trek colleagues as they mourn the actor. John Cho, who played Sulu, asked fans to “send your love to Anton’s family right now”, as he paid his respects in a moving message.
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
Please send your love to Anton's family right now. They need it.
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) June 19, 2016
Another Star Trek actor Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock, shared this message on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BG2Q5RlLi7x/
Paramount, the movie studio behind the rebooted Star Trek films, released a statement saying: ‘All of us at Paramount join the world in morning the untimely passing of Anton Yelchin. As a member of the Star Trek family, he was beloved by so many and he will missed by all.
‘We share our deepest condolences with his mother, father and family.’