Father Fears for Missing 'Growing Pains' Actor Andrew Koenig; Police Believe He May be Lying Low
Feb. 23, 2010 — -- The father of missing actor Andrew Koenig fears his son's bouts of depression are behind the "Growing Pains" actor's disappearance, but police believe Koenig could be lying low.
"He's been depressed," his father, "Star Trek" actor Walter Koenig told ABC News. "He's trying to get ahead in this business, and he's been working at it a long time."
Koenig, 41, who played Richard "Boner" Stabone on the 1980s sitcom, was reported missing last week in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver police Constable Tim Fanning told ABC News that they hope hope Koenig is alive but, "they cannot speculate whether he is alive or deceased."
Fanning said they had been monitoring his bank accounts and cell phone, but the electronic trail ended Feb. 16.
Some friends told ABC News that Koenig was being treated for his depression, and that although it would not be out of the question for him to want to disappear for a while, they're worried about his safety.
Vancouver police said they are tracking Koenig's bank account, phone and credit cards, but have they have not said whether there has been an activity since Koenig was reported missing.
Koenig largely dropped out of the spotlight after playing the role of the goofy sidekick to actor Kirk Cameron's Mike Seaver on "Growing Pains."
Cameron released a statement Monday asking his one-time friend to call him.
"Although I have not had contact with him for many years, I can remember many of the fun times we had on the set of 'Growing Pains,'" Cameron's statement read. "I am praying for his family during this time of distress and for his safe return. Andrew, if you're reading this, please call me. Mike and Boner could always work things out when they put their minds to it. I'm praying for you, pal. Hope to hear from you soon."
Though Koenig lived in California, his father said he felt at home in Vancouver.
"He went up there to see his friends," he said. "He has some very close friends up there, and Vancouver is the place he really felt most comfortable."
