Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin has died at the age of 27.

The American actor was killed in a traffic collision early on Sunday morning, his publicist confirmed.

Yelchin started his acting career with parts in indie films and television shows such as Judging Amy and The Practice before getting his big break in 2006 crime thriller Alpha Dog.

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His biggest role to date has been as Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek films.

The third film - Star Trek Beyond - is due to be released in the UK in July.

Several celebrities have paid tribute to the actor on Twitter.

Actress Anna Kendrick wrote: "This is unreal. Anton Yelchin is such a talent. Such a huge loss."

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Little Britain star Matt Lucas said Yelchin was "an amazing actor".

Glee actor Kevin McHale said: "Anton Yelchin has always been one of my favorite actors. I've seen every movie. This is awful. Im so sorry for his family & friends."

Yelchin, an only child, was born in Russia. His parents were professional figure skaters who moved the family to the United States when Yelchin was a baby.

The actor's family has requested privacy at this time.

READ MORE: 37 celebrities we've said goodbye to in 2016