J.J. Abrams Leads Tributes To Late Star Trek Actor Anton Yelchin

Director J.J. Abrams has led the tributes to Anton Yelchin, who died following a tragic accident at the weekend.

Taking to Twitter, Abrams, who directed Yelchin in the first of the rebooted ‘Star Trek’ movies wrote a personal, handwritten note.

He was followed by a legion of Yelchin’s other friends, fans and colleagues from the movie world.

In an Instagram post, ‘Star Trek’ series co-star Zachary Quinto said: “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.”

Jodie Foster, who directed him in 'The Beaver’, said in a statement: “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.”

Paramount, which makes the 'Star Trek’ movies, added: “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.”

It’s emerged yesterday that he had died after being crushed by his car in his own driveway. He was found by friends who became concerned about him when he failed to turn up for a rehearsal.

A spokesperson for the LAPD said: “It appears he momentarily exited his car and it rolled backward, causing trauma that led to his death.”

He was 27.

Image credits: Twitter/AP