Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Patrick Stewart: “A Man to Rely on, Admire and in My Case, Love”
Patrick Stewart has died aged 86, prompting a tribute from his friend and fellow actor Ian McKellen, who described him as someone to rely on, admire and love. Stewart’s death matters to audiences across theatre and film, where he was celebrated for classical stage performances and roles including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films.
Stewart died at his Los Angeles home after what his spokesperson described as a brief journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, surrounded by family and friends. McKellen recalled their early careers with the Royal Shakespeare Company and praised Stewart’s decision to take the leading role in Star Trek, as well as his Yorkshire roots and work as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. Stewart’s final film, Avengers: Doomsday, is due to feature both actors reprising their X-Men roles.
In short
- Patrick Stewart has died aged 86.
- Ian McKellen remembered their friendship and shared career.
- Stewart’s final film is Avengers: Doomsday.
Explained simply
Patrick Stewart was a British actor whose career spanned classical theatre and major film and television roles. He trained and performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he worked alongside fellow actor Ian McKellen.
Many viewers also knew Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films. These roles brought his work to audiences around the world, while his stage performances remained an important part of his career.
McKellen and Stewart were long-time friends as well as colleagues, and both were due to appear in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday. Stewart also had a connection to Yorkshire and served as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.