Star Trek's Original Chekov Walter Koenig Pays Tribute To Anton Yelchin
Walter Koenig, the actor who played the original Pavel Chekov in ‘Star Trek’, has paid a touching tribute to Anton Yelchin.
27-year-old Yelchin, who played Chekov in the rebooted movie franchise, was found dead on Saturday after being crushed by his Jeep in a tragic accident at his home.
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In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Koenig said that though the pair only met on one occasion, the young actor made a deep impression.
“We spoke on a sound stage for about two hours,” he said. “His reputation as an artist preceded him, however. I knew I was in the presence of a gifted performer.
“What I learned that day was how bright and sensitive he was. I walked away thinking - this is a good person.
“My heart goes out to his mother and father. I know what you’re going through.”
Indeed, Koenig lost his own son, the actor and director Andrew Koenig, to suicide in 2010.
Koenig joins a raft of stars paying tribute to Yelchin.
Director J.J. Abrams, who helmed the first rebooted 'Star Trek’ movie, penned a personal note to him.
Zachary Quinto added: “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’, added 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.”
Image credits: CBS/Paramount/Getty/Twitter
