Ian McKellen Pays Tribute To Patrick Stewart: “He Wore His Heart On His Sleeve”
Sir Ian McKellen has paid tribute to his longtime friend and acting collaborator Sir Patrick Stewart, who has died aged 86. McKellen remembered Stewart’s candour, Yorkshire roots and generosity, and described him as someone to admire, rely on and love.
The pair first met as young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company around 50 years ago. Stewart went on to become internationally known through Star Trek and the X-Men films, while also performing classical theatre in Britain and the United States. He died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia; his wife, Sunny Ozell, was with him. His final appearance in Avengers: Doomsday is due to be released on 18 December.
In short
- McKellen remembered Stewart’s honesty and Yorkshire identity.
- They had been friends and collaborators for around 50 years.
- Stewart’s final screen appearance is due in December.
Explained simply
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart were British actors who became close friends and frequent collaborators. They first met while working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, a theatre company known for staging Shakespeare and other plays.
Stewart later became widely recognised for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films. Alongside those screen roles, he continued to perform classical theatre in Britain and the United States.
Their friendship spans decades and connects stage acting with some of the best-known film and television franchises. McKellen’s tribute reflects the personal bond between two performers whose careers often brought them together.