ANTON YELCHIN, TALENTED INDIE FILM ACTOR, IS REMEMBERED BY STAR TREK FAMILY, AFTER UNTIMELY DEATH
"You weren't here nearly long enough."
-J.J. Abrams
On Sunday at 1 a.m., 27-year old actor Anton Yelchin was tragically killed in a freak car accident. When he failed to show up at rehearsal, his friends found him in the driveway of his home, pinned between the brick mailbox and his SUV.
Yelchin, who starred in numerous indie films, was an immense talent with much to look forward to in his career.
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
One of his most memorable performances included the lead role in Charlie Bartlett. Charlie Bartlett (2007) is the story of a high school student who tries to win over his classmates by posing as the honorary school shrink. The role was demanding and required an experienced actor who could portray real charisma and passion. Yelchin was able to do that and more. The director, Jon Poll, described the teenaged Yelchin as “extraordinarily prepared and hardworking.“ “Even though he’s a teenager,” Poll told Collider.com in 2008, “He’s got a wisdom beyond his years.”
Yelchin was able to hold his own opposite Hollywood heavyweights, and costarred in Hearts in Atlantis (2001) with Anthony Hopkins, and House of D (2004) with Robin Williams. Yelchin has several indie films set to premiere later this year, which include: We Don’t Belong Here and Porto.
HEARTS IN ATLANTIS, director Scott Hicks, Anton Yelchin on set, 2001, (c) Warner Brothers
Yelchin played a big role in the blockbuster Star Trek series reboot coming out in July. He portrayed the character Pavel Chekov, who he brought a likable, comedic presence to. The next installment in the series, Star Trek Beyond, is set to premiere July 22nd of this year. Yelchin’s Star Trek family responded on Twitter with tributes to him in which they expressed their heartbreak and fond memories.
Paramount Pictures
Star Trek series director J.J. Abrams tweeted a handwritten note that says, “Anton—you were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, supremely talented. And you weren’t here nearly long enough. Missing you…J.J.”
J.J. Abrams, Twitter @bad_robot
Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the films, posted to Instagram, “Our dear friend. Our comrade. Our Anton. One of the most open and intellectually curious people I have ever had the pleasure to know. So enormously talented and generous of heart. Wise beyond his years. And gone before his time. All love and strength to his family at this impossible time of grief.”
Instagram, Zachary Quinto @zacharyquinto
Actress Zoe Saldana tweeted, “Devastated by our friend's loss. We are mourning his passing and celebrating the beautiful spirit that he was. #RIPAnton”
Twitter, Zoe Saldana @zoesaldana
John Cho, another Star Trek co-star, tweeted, “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.”
Twitter, John Cho @JohnTheCho
It wasn’t just his Star Trek family who remembered what a talented actor he was.
Actress Anna Kendrick tweeted, “This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss.”
Twitter, Anna Kendrick @AnnaKendrick47
Captain America star Chris Evans tweeted, “Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin. He was thoughtful, kind, and gifted. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Twitter, Chris Evans @ChrisEvans
Anton Yelchin was a talented, passionate and kind actor. His memory will live on in Hollywood and through his family and friends.
Taylor Hill/FILMMAGIC
THE WANNA wants to hear from you!
What is your favorite film role of Anton Yelchin’s?