EXCLUSIVE: Memorial Service Held For Growing Pains Star Andrew Koenig
Posted on Mar 08, 2010 @ 01:05PM - 4 comments
A memorial service with family and friends attending was held for Growing Pains star Andrew Koenig at the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga, California on Saturday, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively.
Koenig is the son of Star Trek actor Walter Koenig. Andrew took his own life in Vancouver and his body was discovered after days of searching that made national headlines.
The service was attended by approximately 100 people, Lance Miccio, a close friend of Andrew’s, told RadarOnline.com.
PHOTOS: Stars Who Died Young
“It was very beautiful and very healing,” Lance told RadarOnline.com. “We are all hurt and sorry we have to go on without Andrew but it was good closure for everybody.
“The highlight of the memorial was Fito de la Perra (founding member of ‘Canned Heat’) played ‘On the Road Again’ and dedicated it to Andrew. He also talked about the similarities between Alan Wilson and Andrew, how they were both sensitive guys who carried the weight of the world on their shoulder.”
Kirk Cameron Speaks About Andrew's Suicide
Wilson was a member of Canned Heat who committed suicide.
All vegan food was served and that’s the way Andrew would have wanted it, Miccio told RadarOnline.com. “His sister Danielle gave the eulogy. It was poignant and sweet and funny. His brother in law also honored him.
“Many of his friend got up and spoke.”
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
Guests included Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek and many industry people.
Andrew suffered from depression and after he was found dead, his father held a press conference and made an emotional plea to anyone suffering from depression to get help.
But the memorial was a time to celebrate Andrew’s life and the environmental cause he dedicated much of his life to.
Andrew Gave Landlord 30-day Notice
Andrew’s mother also spoke and her words moved everyone.
Andrew starred as Boner on Growing Pains but grew up to have an excellent career as a film editor. He was found dead on Feb 25 and was 41 years old.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Andrew Koenig’s Suicide Mirrors Movie He Worked On Says Friends
Andrew Koenig's Parents Return Home to L.A.
Posted on Mar 03, 2010 @ 10:00AM - 4 comments
Still coming to grips with their son Andrew Koenig’s suicide, Walter and Judy Koenig returned home to Los Angeles on Tuesday to pick up the pieces of their lives. RadarOnline.com has the photos from their somber return.
Walter (best known as Mr. Chekov in the Star Trek series) and Judy had originally flown to Vancouver to search for their son and held a tear-filled press conference on February 26 mere hours after the Growing Pains star’s body was found in the city’s Stanley Park.
EXCLUSIVE: Growing Pains Star Alan Thicke Sends Message Of Condolence To Andrew Koenig's Family
Posted on Feb 27, 2010 @ 10:08PM - Add a comment
Composer, talk show host and sitcom actor Alan Thicke is best-known for his decade as the "dad" on Growing Pains where he worked with Andrew Koenig for several seasons. Thicke hasn't spoken publicly about Koenig's death, until now.
Kirk Cameron Speaks About Andrew's Suicide
In an exclusive statement to RadarOnline.com, Thicke said, "'Andrew's light shone brightly on the Growing Pains set. His skill and humor and friendship were important elements in our extended family. May his own family now find comfort in their memories of the good times with this very special young man."
Koenig Gave Away His Possessions Before Taking His Life
Andrew Koenig suffered from severe depression, according to his father, Star Trek's Walter Koenig. The same mental illness may have been behind the apparent suicide of Marie Osmond's son Michael Blosil Friday night.
Marie Osmond's Son Commits Suicide
EXCLUSIVE: Kirk Cameron Asks That Everyone "Be Sensitive To The Koenigs"
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 05:52AM - 2 comments
Growing Pains star Kirk Cameron released a statement to RadarOnline.com Friday morning reacting to the suicide death of his co-star Andrew Koening.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Andrew Koenig’s Suicide Mirrors Movie He Worked On Says Friends
“It is with great sorrow to hear about the final outcome of the search for my old friend Andrew,” Kirk said about the 41 year old whose body was found in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Stars Tweet In Memory Of Andrew Koenig
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 02:22AM - Add a comment
Hollywood friends and colleagues of Andrew Koenig, the Growing Pains star who was found dead in Vancouver Thursday after a week-long search, took to Twitter to remember the actor, who authorities say committed suicide.
RadarOnline.com has been keeping tabs on this sad story, and on the stars for their reaction to the tragedy.
Sarah Silverman Tweeted: "My heart is heavy for the Koenig family," while Alyssa Milano wrote, "If you know someone suffering from depression, please do everything in your power to get them help. R.I.P. Andrew. "
Andrew Koenig Committed Suicide
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 01:48AM - 34 comments
Andrew Koenig took his own life his father Walter said in a press conference Thursday.
"My son took his own life," the former Star Trek actor said while choking back tears. "He was obviously in a lot of pain."
PHOTOS: Star Who Died Young
Walter broke down and appealed to people who are suffering from depression. "If you can learn anything from this, there are people who really care."
It was a heartbreaking conclusion to a saga that began on February 14 when Andrew was last heard from. He left Los Angeles on February 4th and went to Vancouver.
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
Walter said that 10 people helped him search Stanley Park in Vancouver Thursday. During the search a friend phoned Walter saying that he had found Andrew's body. Walter's wife Judy was by his side during the press conference in Vancouver.
VIDEO: Andrew Koenig's Parents Walk Out On Larry King
With his voice breaking from obvious, he said: "The only other thing I want to say is, we've already said what a great guy he was, what a great human being. He was obviously in a lot of pain.
"I received an awful lot of emails, hundreds of emails from people who said he was depressed...families who said they had someone in their family who showed signs of this kind of behavior or who had in fact loss members of their family...
"If you're one of these people who feel like you can't handle it anymore, there are people out there who really care. You might not think so and ultimately it might not be enough, but there are people out there who really really care
"So before you make a final decision check it out again and talk to someone."
It's a tragic end to a heartbreaking story that started when Koenig disappeared after visiting friends on Valentines Day. He was officially reported missing after he missed a flight back to Los Angeles on February 16th.
EXCLUSIVE: Last Known Letter From Andrew Koenig
An extensive search was launched for Koenig, who was known to suffer from depression and had reportedly stopped taking his anti-depressants nearly a year ago. Friends and family rallied in their quest to locate the troubled actor, posting flyers throughout Vancouver and taking to the Internet via Twitter and Facebook in a bid to raise awareness of their plight and to try to ensure the safe return of Koenig.
EXCLUSIVE: Koenig Gave Landlord 30-Days Notice In January
As RadarOnline.com exclusively reported Koenig had given his landlord 30
days notice on his Venice, CA, apartment in January and moved out, without securing a new home, on February 4th.
In addition, Koenig had been selling off his belongings before leaving for Canada to visit friends.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Friend Of Koenig Says He's Dealt With Depression His Whole Life
In an exclusive interview with RadarOnline.com Koenig's close friend, Lance Miccio, voiced his worries about Koenig's wellbeing, sharing with RadarOnline.com that just weeks ago Koenig had ominously returned a number of personal items to Miccio, and had turned down several good job opportunities.
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
On Wednesday Koenig's parents had made an emotional plea for their son to contact them. With her eyes filling with tears, mom, Judy, reached out to her son, in the hope that he was still alive, "This is for Andrew. You are loved and you count and you matter.
VIDEO: Koenig's Parents Tearfully Appeal For Him To Contact Them
"Don't worry there is help, you can get through this, you have so many gifts to offer this world - and so much yet to do in this world. Look how many people love you and care about you."
Koenig was best known for his role as Richard "Boner" Stabone on the hit 80s sitcom Growing Pains. He was 42-years-old when he passed away.
BREAKING NEWS: Police Find Body Believed To Be Missing Growing Pains Star
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 02:28PM - 14 comments
Vancouver police have found a body that they believe to be Andrew Koenig, the missing son of Star Trek star Walter Koenig.
As RadarOnline.com reported exclusively, Andrew gave his landlord 30 days notice in January and left Los Angeles on Feb. 4.
PHOTOS: On The Set Of Growing Pains
He has not been seen since Feb. 14.
A press conference at the Vancouver Police Mounted Squad Stables is scheduled for 5 pm PST and the Koenig family will be present.
EXCLUSIVE: Last Known Letter From Missing Growing Pains Star
The body was found in Stanley Park in Vancouver at approximately noon Thursday.
In an ominous sign, Koenig returned personal items to friend Lance Miccio and left them in a bag on Feb. 3. He also turned down jobs and disconnected his phone.
Andrew had suffered from depression for most of his life. Just days ago, Miccio told RadarOnline.com: “He suffers from depression. He’s up, he’s down. I’m worried about him, I’m concerned about him but I’m hoping for the best.”
Sadly, it looks like those hopes have been dashed.
Miccio reacted with shock and grief when informed that it appears his close friend’s body has been found. “Oh my God,” he said to RadarOnline.com and was so emotional he couldn’t say anything else.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Friend Of Koenig's Says He Has Suffered From Depression His Whole Life
Andrew sold off his possessions before leaving Los Angeles on February 4 but RadarOnline.com discovered that he told one of his neighbors he was going on “vacation,” which was at odds with the way he was quickly changing his life.
“He started putting all his stuff out front trying to sell it. I actually got a cabinet from him because he said he was going to put it up on Craigslist for $175 but that if I wanted it I could just have it," the neighbor said.
“He told me he was going up to Vancouver and was excited to go on vacation. Looking back though, it’s weird that he got rid of everything he owned before going on a vacation. He was a nice guy, always very friendly with me.”
And while he told the neighbor he was going on vacation, Andrew’s landlord told RadarOnline.com on Tuesday outside the Venice, California apartment where the one-time child star lived: "Andrew gave a 30 day notice in January and moved out on February 4. I don't think he had any intention of coming back.
Walter Koenig’s Website
Walter and Judy Koenig held an emotional press conference on Wednesday, begging their son to contact them.
As his eyes filled with tears, veteran Star Trek actor, Walter Koenig, addressed the cameras, hoping to reach his son, "If you want to stay in Vancouver, that's OK, we are not going to stop you. We just want to know you are safe and you are OK."
Andrew's mom Judy, who was also visibly upset, said, "This is for Andrew. You are loved and you count and you matter."
VIDEO: Missing Actor Andrew Koenig’s Parents Walk Out On Larry King
She added, "Don't worry there is help, you can get through this, you have so many gifts to offer this world - and so much yet to do in this world. Look how many people love you and care about you."
Andrew’s friend Miccio recalled that his pal didn’t do drugs and was clean living.
VIDEO: Missing Growing Pains Actor Details His Own Arrest On The Web
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 12:45PM - 3 comments
Andrew Koenig's politically-charged passion against the Chinese Communist Party and their support of the Southeast Asian of Myanmar (formerly Burma) landed him behind bars two years ago, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Koenig, in a demonstration posted on both MySpace and YouTube, was arrested on New Year's Day 2008 after he dashed in front of a Chinese-themed Rose Parade float (touting that year's Olympics) during the annual New Year's Day parade with a sign reading, "China: Free Burma."
EXCLUSIVE: Missing Actor's Parents Were Right To Walk Out Of Larry King Interview, Says Pal
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 12:35PM - 20 comments
Missing former child actor Andrew Koenig’s longtime friend spoke to RadarOnline.com in defense of Koenig’s parents who walked out of an interview with Larry King on Wednesday night.
VIDEO: Missing Actor Andrew Koenig’s Parents Walk Out On Larry King
Walter and Judy Koenig were set to appear via satellite from Vancouver when they abruptly left the interview during the commercial break.
VIDEO: Missing Actor Andrew Koenig’s Parents Walk Out On Larry King
Posted on Feb 25, 2010 @ 05:19AM - 26 comments
In a bizarre turn of events, Star Trek star Walter Koenig and his wife suddenly walked out on CNN’s Larry King Live Wednesday night, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.
EXCLUSIVE: Last Known Letter From Missing Growing Pains Star
Walter and Judith Koenig were scheduled to make a public plea to help find their missing son Andrew Koenig, who played “Boner” on the 80s sitcom Growing Pains.
Breaking news involving The Toyota Congressional Hearings and the SeaWorld Whale Death appear to have squeezed time from the TV star and his wife. And with only 9 minutes remaining in the program, King promoted their appearance showing a live shot from a Vancouver, British Columbia studio where the couple was seated waiting to be interviewed.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Mom of Missing “Growing Pains” Actor Remains Stoic
After the commercial break with only 5 minutes remaining in the program, Larry came back on camera and said this:
“Actor Andrew Koenig, best known for his role in the series Growing Pains has been missing since February 14, Valentine’s Day. Vancouver police believe he may be in the area. Kirk Cameron who starred in Growing Pains has publicly urged Andrew to call him. Andrew’s parents, Walter and Judy, are in Vancouver helping police search for their son. Walter may be familiar to you; he played Chekov in the original Star Trek series.”
Instead of introducing the parents, King paused and told viewers, “ I’m told that they left the studio so we’ll take a quick break and find out why.”
After another commercial break, King returned and said he had no explanation for why the Koenigs suddenly left the studio.
“For some reason unbeknownst to anyone Walter Koenig, the father of the missing Andrew Koenig and Judy, the mother of the missing Andrew Koenig, left the studio in Vancouver. We checked them out, they were prepared to go on, I said hello, they both said hello, we said we’d be on in two minutes, they said fine and they got up and left for reasons unknown.”
An insider at Larry King Live told RadarOnline.com, “What I know is exactly what you saw and heard on our show.”
Andrew is still missing in Vancouver, anyone with information on his whereabouts should call the Vancouver Police Department 604-711-2534.
