Entertainment

Celebrities pay tribute to "Star Trek" actor Anton Yelchin

By Andrea Park

June 20, 2016 / 9:05 AM EDT / CBS News

Celebrities took to social media to remember Anton Yelchin, who was best known for playing Chekov in the new "Star Trek" films. The actor was killed by his own car as it rolled down his driveway, police and his publicist said.

Director J.J. Abrams, who cast Yelchin in the franchise, wrote in a statement that he was "brilliant ... kind ... funny as hell, and supremely talented."

our dear friend. our comrade. our anton. one of the most open and intellectually curious people... https://t.co/zgTxXmyrbD
— Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) June 19, 2016

Still in shock. Rest in peace, Anton. Your passion and enthusiasm will live on with everyone that had the pleasure of knowing you.
— Justin Lin (@trailingjohnson) June 19, 2016

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

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

Devastated about Anton Yelchin. He was a very sweet kid. My heart goes out to his family
— Hank Azaria (@HankAzaria) June 19, 2016

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

I'm so sad to hear about the sudden passing of Anton Yelchin. So tragic. May he rest in peace. My prayers are with his family.
— Lacey Chabert (@IamLaceyChabert) June 19, 2016

Terrible news about Anton Yelchin, crazily talented actor gone too soon.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) June 19, 2016

So sad to hear about Anton Yelchin, always been one of my favorite actors... Condolences to his family and friends... RIP
— Abigail Breslin (@yoabbaabba) June 19, 2016

Crestfallen to hear the news of Anton Yelchin. He was a superb actor and I always looked forward to the work he did. He will be missed.💐
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) June 19, 2016

I am utterly heartbroken about this terrible news. Anton Yelchin was a gift to this world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Aaron Paul (@aaronpaul_8) June 19, 2016

Absolutely devastated to hear about Anton Yelchin. He was such a gifted, natural actor & a deeply kind man. My thoughts are with his family.
— Tom Hiddleston (@twhiddleston) June 19, 2016

So very sad to hear the awful news about Anton Yelchin. Such a fine actor with his whole career ahead of him. He will be remembered always.
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) June 19, 2016

I've loved the work of Anton Yelchin since "Along Came a Spider" & am so sad to hear of his passing. May he RIP. pic.twitter.com/JlaBIq8flW
— Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) June 19, 2016

so i guess i posted my morning song 4 #millasmusicmonday. in honor of my friend #AntonYelchin.
— Milla Jovovich (@MillaJovovich) June 20, 2016

Anton was a truly incredible talent. Made a point to watch him whenever possible. #RIP https://t.co/NlILcEootA pic.twitter.com/R0CNfKbtJc
— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) June 20, 2016

RIP Anton Yelchin. He was great in everything! Especially love Charlie Bartlett. Such a shame. Condolences to his friends and family.
— Deborah Ann Woll (@DeborahAnnWoll) June 20, 2016

"A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty."
-Joan Didion#antonyelchin #rip
— Bryce Dallas Howard (@BryceDHoward) June 20, 2016

Absolutely shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Anton Yelchin's passing.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) June 20, 2016

We've lost another incredibly talented soul #AntonYelchin too soon. Too sad.
— Constance Zimmer (@ConstanceZimmer) June 20, 2016

RIP #AntonYelchin What a tragedy.Such a talented young man.Didn't know him but all I've heard is what an incredibly lovely person he was. 😓
— Emilie de Ravin (@emiliederavin) June 20, 2016

Actor Anton Yelchin dies after being pinned by SUV