Hot on HuffPost Celebrity:

AOL
MAIL
- You might also like:
- Music |
- Movies |
- TV

PopEater
Web

Parents of Missing 'Growing Pains' Actor Say He 'Was Very Depressed'

By PopEater Staff Posted Feb 24th 2010 10:15AM

The search continues for 'Growing Pains' actor Andrew Koenig. Now his famous father, Walter Koenig, is opening up about the painful search for his missing son. "It's very, very tough," the elder Koenig, who starred on 'Star Trek,' tells the 'Today Show.' "He was very depressed about his life."

Koenig, best known for playing "Boner" on 'Growing Pains,' went missing in Vancouver a week ago.

His mother, Judy Levitt Koenig, hopes that the public's concern brings him home. "He is much loved and beloved in this world and I just hope he gets that feeling," she says.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Koenig, 42, was last seen on Feb. 14 and missed his flight out of the Olympic host city two days later, according to a statement from TV host Dave Holmes on MaximumFun.org. Authorities are searching for the actor, who has recently been working as a camera operator on the comedy podcast 'Never Not Funny.'

Neighbors at the 41-year-old's Venice, Calif., apartment complex tell PEOPLE he moved out several weeks ago before heading to Vancouver, B.C., to visit friends. "He cleared out his apartment," about three weeks ago, neighbor Mark Clough tells PEOPLE. "It started off as a garage sale, and eventually, he put everything out in front of the apartment, like he was giving it away."

Andrew's father Walter Koenig played Chekov in the 'Star Trek' TV series and films. The elder Koenig told PEOPLE he received a note from Andrew on February 16, but it did nothing to alleviate his concerns.

"He sounded despondent," said Walter. "Nobody has seen this [note] but my wife and I."

"He went to visit some friends in Toronto and after there, he went to Vancouver," explained his father. "It's a place where he felt very comfortable. He lived there for a few years."

Later on Wednesday, Walter Koenig said during a press conference that, if anything, he just wants to know if his son is alive. "I just want to know you're okay ... If it means you just want to stay here, that's okay. You don't have to come back. Just let us know that's your intention."

While in Vancouver, he was staying with burlesque artist Jenny Magenta, who took to Facebook on Friday to ask for help in finding Koenig. Numerous celebrity friends have used social media to aid the search, including Sarah Silverman, Alyssa Milano and Felica Day. Comedian Joel McHale wrote, "No joke, here. 'Soup' family friend Andrew Koenig missing in Vancouver."

His 'Growing Pains' co-star Kirk Cameron is offering help. "I am praying for his family during this time of distress and for his safe return," Cameron said in a statement, reports PEOPLE. "Andrew, if you're reading this, please call me."

Anyone with knowledge of Koenig's whereabouts is being asked to contact Det. Raymond Payette of the Vancouver PD at 604-717-2534.

Tags: andrew koenig

Comments

(45)

Add a comment

Wednesday 24 February

By Dvdfrnzwbr

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Last I heard he took off to the great white north to befriend a family of polar bears.

Wednesday 24 February

By TexasP

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

He might be at a drug rehab

Wednesday 24 February

By Claudia

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Why is that where you are?

Wednesday 24 February

By patrick

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I hope everything works out and he turns up alive and well.

Wednesday 24 February

By flat top

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

This is not going to end well. I just know it ... he was probably murdered because he was an antiOlympics activist. And if you think this makes me "mean", a "hater" or whatever - well, that's your problem.

Wednesday 24 February

By Graydon

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Flat top, you're a jackass. And no, that's not MY problem, it's your family's problem. They have my sympathy!

As for Andrew, I hope you are alive somewhere. Contact your family.

Wednesday 24 February

By Paul

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I was thinkin "idiot". Oh well.

Wednesday 24 February

By mydownthere

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

sounds like a bunch of jelous pricks are leaving messages here. Go get a life you jerk offs.

Wednesday 24 February

By lizahdew

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Please say nothing harmful here. People are in pain. Anonymity is no excuse for inhumanity.

Wednesday 24 February

By ycav4424

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Good call.

Wednesday 24 February

By Terry

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Well said...thank you.

Wednesday 24 February

By Barbara

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

very well said

Friday 26 February

By pwmmc

Vote down Vote up Report this

Your few words pretty much run deep; it's just a shame that they have to be said at all... thanks for your truth and eloquence... May God forgive us and bless us all...

Wednesday 24 February

By jim

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Wishing him a safe passage home.

Wednesday 24 February

By Wayne

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I agree, There are sides of human nature that are very dark. I hope he is found alive and can be helped.

Wednesday 24 February

By rugbymom

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. His father's anguish is heartbreaking. There is no greater nightmare for a parent to suffer then the loss of a child whether through death or disappearing. God Bless him and give him the strength to reach out to his dad.

Wednesday 24 February

By mark

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

thanks rugbymom , see fools this is how it's done. i could'nt have worded better.

Wednesday 24 February

By kittywhiskywhiskers

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I seriously hope that he is well....but sometimes troubled people need to just "disappear" and get their heads straight. I just hope this is the case, that he just needs a little breathing space to think out his life. My wishes are that he at least calls his family to let them know that he's o.k. and that it's nothing more serious. My prayers are with them all for things to work out and for his safety.

Wednesday 24 February

By juststrait

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

My prayers are with him and his family. I agree when people are depressed they want to run and hide, but he needs to have respect for his family and friends send a message that he is safe.

Wednesday 24 February

By larry

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I hope they find him but on a less serious note if I need to find a boner I just look for viagra LOL

Page 1 of 3

celebrity one-stops

Jennifer Aniston
Is it Brad(ley) and Jen take 2? Jen was spotted out on the town with dreamboat ...
Paris Hilton
After Fairly Legal actress, Sarah Shahi, laid into Paris via Twitter for almost...
Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton is officially a princess. She walked the aisle in an Alexander...
Denise Richards
According to Denise, she's not sure that her estranged ex is completely sober....