JJ Abrams, Jodie Foster, Kat Dennings, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Guillermo del Toro, Tom Hiddleston among other celebrities mourned the loss of actor Anton Yelchin, who died after a car accident.
The 27-year-old Russian-born actor, died early Sunday morning in a fatal traffic collision. His body was found pinned between a car and a gate at a home in Studio City, California.
Yelchin stars in the upcoming “Star Trek Beyond,” which is set to release on July 22. Director of the film, Abrams posted a tribute to the actor on Twitter. He shared a photo of a handwritten note which reads, “You were brilliant. You were kind. You were funny as hell, and supremely talented. And you weren’t here nearly long enough. Missing you. JJ”
Actress-filmmaker Foster, who directed the young actor in “The Beaver,” issued a statement after the news of his demise broke.
“Anton…What a rare and beautiful soul with his unstoppable passion for life. He was equal parts serious thinker and the most fun little brother you could ever dream of. I am so honored to have been able to direct such a deep actor, so committed and genuine.
“I will forever be grateful for all of those little exchanges we shared, his contagious enthusiasm, his questions, his company. My heart breaks for his mom and dad who were a part of every anecdote. He carried their love into everything he touched,” the statement read.
Drake Doremus, director of indie film “Like Crazy” starring Yelchin, Felcity Jones and Jennifer Lawerence, said he is still in shock.
“I’m still in shock. I’m having a hard time processing it. I just woke up and saw it online and thought it was a hoax, you know, like some of these things are. Then I talked to some people who confirmed it and it’s just devastating.
“Everyone’s devastated. I spoke to Felicity, who is very devastated and very upset. And Jon Schwartz (the film’s producer). You just try to touch base with all the people you love and who changed your life, and he certainly changed all our lives,” Doremus said.
“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, who plays Sulu, wrote on Twitter.
“The sweetest, most humble, delightful, talented guy you’d ever meet. Worked together for about a year. Shocked. Anton was a sweetheart. Absolutely a great creative partner and artist, ” del Toro wrote.
Adam Nimoy, whose father, original ‘Star Trek’ actor Leonard Nimoy died in 2015, tweeted, “Heartbreaking to hear the news today about Anton. An incredible talent, lost much too soon. He will be missed.”
Dennings, who starred with Yelchin in the 2007 movie “Charlie Bartlett,” said on Twitter, “Anton Yelchin was one of my best friends. Can’t say anything that conveys what this feels like.”
“Devastated to hear about the brilliant Anton Yelchin,” wrote “Captain America” star Chris Evans.
Hiddleston, who worked with the actor in “Only Lovers Left Alive,” tweeted. “Absolutely devastated to hear about Anton Yelchin. He was such a gifted, natural actor & a deeply kind man. My thoughts are with his family.”
“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,” tweeted Olivia Wilde.
