Born: March 11, 1989 – Died: June 19, 2016
Anton Yelchin was a remarkable American actor with an extraordinary story. He was born on March 11, 1989, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Russia, USSR, into a Jewish family. His parents, Irina Korina and Viktor Yelchin, were celebrated professional figure skaters. The family moved to the United States when Anton was just six months old, settling in California, where his parents eventually became coaching professionals. Yelchin's early refusal to follow in his parents' figure skating footsteps in favor of pursuing acting demonstrated his strong determination and clarity about his career aspirations.
Early Life and Career
From a very young age, Anton Yelchin showed a clear inclination towards acting. He began taking acting classes in Los Angeles, where he was soon discovered by casting agents. His acting career took off at the tender age of 10, with his television debut in 2000. A year later, at age 11, Yelchin gained significant recognition for his role as Bobby Garfield in "Hearts in Atlantis" (2001), which earned him the 2002 Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a feature film as a Leading Young Actor.
Yelchin's portrayal of Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" (2009) reboot was a turning point in his career, catapulting him into international stardom. This role, along with his performances in "Fright Night" (2011) and "Like Crazy" (2011), solidified his position as a versatile and rising star in Hollywood. His career was marked by a wide range of roles in over 20 feature films and numerous television productions.
Off-screen, Yelchin was known for his passion for reading, playing chess, and his musical talent, having played piano and guitar in a band. He lived in Los Angeles, California, up until his untimely death in a tragic accident at his home in 2016. His death led to a recall of the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee model, as it was identified as a factor in the accident.
Anton Yelchin's impact on the entertainment industry was profound, despite his short life. He was admired for his distinct hoarse voice, exceptional acting skills, and the depth he brought to his characters. His unique talent and memorable performances have made him an iconic figure in Hollywood, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2016–2018 | Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (TV Series) | Additional Voice Talent | Jim Lake Jr. (voice) |
| 2017 | Dark | Milton Schultz |
| 2017 | We Don't Belong Here | Maxwell Green |
| 2017 | Rememory | Todd |
| 2017 | Thoroughbreds | Tim |
| 2015–2016 | SuperMansion (TV Series) | Dudley (voice) |
| 2016 | Porto | Jake Kleeman |
| 2016 | Star Trek Beyond | Chekov |
| 2016 | Rise (Short) | Basil |
| 2015 | Court of Conscience (Short) | Father James |
| 2015 | Green Room | Pat |
| 2015 | The Driftless Area | Pierre |
| 2015 | Broken Horses | Jacob Heckum |
| 2015 | Kiss Kiss Fingerbang (Short) | Dr. Jack Stewart |
| 2015 | Experimenter | Rensaleer |
| 2014 | Dying of the Light | Milton Schultz |
| 2014 | Burying the Ex | Max |
| 2014 | Cymbeline | Cloten |
| 2014 | The Apprentice (Short) | Wayne |
| 2014 | 5 to 7 | Brian Bloom |
| 2014 | Automobile Waltz (Short) | James |
| 2014 | Rudderless | Quentin |
| 2013 | Broken Bells: Holding on for Life (Music Video) | Boy |
| 2013 | The Smurfs 2 | Clumsy Smurf (voice) |
| 2013 | The Smurfs 2 (Video Game) | Clumsy (voice) |
| 2013 | The Smurfs: The Legend of Smurfy Hollow (TV Movie) | Clumsy Smurf (voice) |
| 2013 | Only Lovers Left Alive | Ian |
| 2013 | Star Trek Into Darkness | Chekov |
| 2013 | Star Trek (Video Game) | Chekov (voice) |
| 2013 | *Odd Thomas* | Odd Thomas |
| 2012 | The Pirates! Band of Misfits | The Albino Pirate (US version, voice) |
| 2011 | The Life & Times of Tim (TV Series) | Trent (voice) |
| 2011 | The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (Short) | Clumsy (voice) |
| 2011 | Fright Night | Charley Brewster |
| 2011 | Starz on the Set: A Look Behind the Smurfs 3D (TV Short) | Clumsy |
| 2011 | The Smurfs | Clumsy (voice) |
| 2011 | From Up on Poppy Hill | Shun Kazama (English version, voice) |
| 2011 | The Beaver | Porter Black |
| 2011 | You and I | Edward |
| 2011 | Like Crazy | Jacob |
| 2010 | Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac | Ace Zuckerman |
| 2009 | Terminator Salvation | Kyle Reese |
| 2009 | Star Trek | Chekov |
| 2008 | Middle of Nowhere | Dorian Spitz |
| 2008 | New York, I Love You | Boy (segment "Brett Ratner") |
| 2007 | Charlie Bartlett | Charlie Bartlett |
| 2006 | Criminal Minds (TV Series) | Nathan Harris |
| 2006 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent (TV Series) | Keith Tyler |
| 2004–2006 | Huff (TV Series) | Byrd Huffstodt |
| 2006 | *Alpha Dog* | Zack Mazursky |
| 2005 | Fierce People | Finn Earl |
| 2004 | House of D | Tommy Warshaw |
| 2004 | NYPD Blue (TV Series) | Evan Grabber |
| 2004 | Jack (TV Movie) | Jack |
| 2004 | Curb Your Enthusiasm (TV Series) | Stewart |
| 2003 | Without a Trace (TV Series) | Johnny Atkins |
| 2002 | The Practice (TV Series) | Justin Langer |
| 2002 | Taken (TV Mini Series) | Jacob Clarke - Child |
| 2002 | Rooftop Kisses (Short) | Charlie |
| 2002 | A Time for Dancing | Jackson |
| 2002 | Judging Amy (TV Series) | Davis Bishop (voice) |
| 2001 | Hearts in Atlantis | Bobby Garfield |
| 2001 | Along Came a Spider | Dimitri Starodubov |
| 2001 | 15 Minutes | Boy in Burning Building |
| 2001 | Delivering Milo | Milo |
| 2000 | A Man Is Mostly Water | Augie |
| 2000 | The Wonderful World of Disney (TV Series) | Fighting Kid at School |
| 2000 | ER (TV Series) | Robbie Edelstein |