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Ian McKellen, Shatner lead tributes as Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart dies at 86
Tributes have continued to pour in for legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart following his death at the age of 86, with fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen describing him as “the most respected and beloved actor of his generation”.
Stewart’s death at his Los Angeles home was announced on Thursday after what was described as “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
McKellen, who starred alongside Stewart in the X-Men film franchise and maintained a close friendship with him, said the late actor was someone people could depend on and admire.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and, in my case, love,” McKellen said.
William Shatner, another iconic Star Trek actor who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk, also paid tribute, praising Stewart’s contribution to the entertainment industry.
Shatner said Stewart brought “intelligence, grace and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did”.
He added that Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the character Stewart portrayed in Star Trek, represented the best qualities of humanity.
“Captain Picard stood for the best of us and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work,” Shatner said.
Stewart became an international star through his portrayal of Captain Picard in more than 170 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1987 and 1994.
He reprised the character in four feature films before returning to the role in the television series Star Trek: Picard in 2020.
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series, also remembered Stewart for his influence on generations of science fiction enthusiasts.
Takei said the actor “inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity”.
Beyond the Star Trek franchise, Stewart earned widespread recognition for portraying Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, further cementing his status as one of the most accomplished actors in Hollywood.
His X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman described him as a “tremendous friend and man”, expressing sadness over the loss.
“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” Jackman said.
McKellen, who officiated Stewart’s wedding in 2013, also reflected on the actor’s Yorkshire roots, saying his upbringing played a significant role in shaping his personality and character.
According to him, Stewart’s background was evident in his distinctive accent and straightforward approach to life.
“You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt. Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues,” McKellen said.
Stewart’s career spanned decades of classical theatre, television and blockbuster cinema, earning him multiple awards and international acclaim.
His legacy extends beyond his memorable screen characters, with colleagues and admirers remembering him for his honesty, humanity, versatility and enduring contribution to the performing arts.