Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart shared a friendship spanning decades (Image: Getty)
Sir Ian McKellen has remembered Sir Patrick Stewart as tributes poured in after the actor’s death from Alzheimer’s disease. He described his longtime friend as “the most respected and beloved actor of his generation”.
Sir Patrick, internationally known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in later Star Trek series and films, died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, according to an announcement shared on social media. Reflecting on their friendship, Sir Ian said Stewart’s character was inseparable from his Yorkshire upbringing.
In his statement, Sir Ian wrote: “You heard it in his accent and in the direct, uncompromising way he expressed his thoughts and feelings. Yorkshiremen have little patience for half-truths or for sidestepping difficult subjects. Patrick wore his heart openly, making him someone people could trust, respect and, in my case, love.”
One of McKellen’s clearest memories involved advising Stewart to think carefully before accepting a major science-fiction role. Recalling their exchange, he wrote: “‘But Patrick, think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to take the chance of being lost in Hollywood for years and years?’
“Patrick chose to take that chance, and audiences everywhere benefited. His devoted Trekkies embraced him, while film and theatre fans watched him turn global fame into a remarkable run of movie successes, including ‘X-Men’, as well as acclaimed performances in works by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett. He appeared at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London’s West End and on Broadway.”
McKellen added that Stewart remained deeply connected to his roots. He called the actor’s appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire “the proudest achievement” of a performer revered on both sides of the Atlantic.
Huddersfield Town football club also expressed its sorrow after learning of Stewart’s death. Born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, the actor supported the Terriers throughout his life. In a message on X, the club said: “Everyone at Huddersfield Town is deeply saddened by the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this painful time.
“He was a giant of his profession and a hero to millions around the world. His legacy will endure for generations. Sir Patrick was fiercely proud of Yorkshire and a Terrier in every sense, and we were honoured to call him one of our own. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”
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Further tributes came from fellow actors ahead of the December release of Stewart’s final film, Avengers: Doomsday. Dame Harriet Walter, who had known him since they met at Stratford-upon-Avon in the early 1980s, said the world would feel his absence profoundly.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Walter said she found it difficult to imagine life without him. “It’s like a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest,” she said. “I’ve never heard a bad word said about him, and I think the world is going to be very poor without him.”
Sir Patrick was a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, and the club shared an emotional tribute (Image: Getty)
William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T Kirk in the original 1960s Star Trek series, also shared an emotional message online. “What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was my friend, my colleague and a magnificent actor.
“From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, elegance and a profound humanity to every role. Captain Picard represented the best in us, and so did the man who played him. I felt enormous affection and admiration for Patrick and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.”
Hugh Jackman, Stewart’s X-Men co-star, posted two photographs of them together on Instagram. “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” he wrote. “In my book, he was also an extraordinary friend and man. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, for the rest of my days.”
Marvel Studios, which has held the rights to X-Men since 2019, paid tribute to the actor by calling him “a true gentleman”. The company wrote on social media: “Everyone at Marvel Studios is deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart.
“With extraordinary grace, intelligence and humanity, Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life and shaped the character for generations of fans, from ‘X-Men’ and ‘Logan’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’
“He was a unique talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his wife Sunny, his children, his friends and the countless fans around the world whose lives were touched by his artistry.”