Marvel and Star Trek Stars Pay Tribute to Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart’s friends, colleagues, and fellow actors are paying tribute to the late thespian, who died on Wednesday at the age of 86. Heartfelt tributes have poured in across social media, including a remembrance from the actor’s longtime collaborator, friend, and fellow knight Ian McKellen.

Patrick Stewart, best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, died after a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his representative, Kelly Bush Novak, announced on Thursday. Patrick Stewart’s acting career spanned more than six decades, and his credits reached far beyond the Star Trek and Marvel universes. The breadth of tributes illustrates the reach of his craft and how fondly he is remembered by fellow actors, directors, and other creatives.

The X-Men family pays tribute

Ian McKellen, who co-starred with Patrick Stewart in five X-Men films and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, wrote a public tribute.

Before everything else, Patrick was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire, the proud county in the north of England which he loved to the end. 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. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.

Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine alongside Patrick Stewart, posted on his Instagram account. He wrote that they lost one of the greats of stage and screen, adding that Patrick Stewart was a tremendous friend and man. Hugh Jackman stated that he learned so much from him and would miss him all of his days.

Dafne Keen, who co-starred with Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart in Logan, remembered the late actor in a post on Instagram.

He was such a kind, genuine, funny, unique, caring and charming man. I remember his endless jokes, nurturing nature and colourful reading glasses. Every single day spent working by his side was an honour and a privilege I can’t quite believe I had. He was a walking master of his craft, and of life. One of the greatest of our time, on stage and on screen.

Dafne Keen added that she has always looked up to him and always will as an actor and as a man. She noted that he had a wonderful way of imparting ancient lessons with wonder, fun, and excitement, and she will forever hold those months spent together close to her heart.

James Marsden, who played Scott Summers and Cyclops, and Rebecca Romijn, who played Raven Darkhölme and Mystique, also paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, highlighting his humor and charm.

We’ve lost a very special man. Kind and generous, with extraordinary talent and a wicked sense of humor, it was impossible not to feel charmed, enlightened and downright joyous in his presence. I’m grateful to have spent the time I did with you, Patrick. Rest well, my good friend.

Star Trek stars remember Patrick Stewart

Rebecca Romijn shared her thoughts in a video message.

I feel so grateful to have known him for the last 25 years and to have been in his orbit for the last 25 years — both as a fellow mutant and as a fellow member of Starfleet. He was positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, [had an] incredible sense of humor, and that booming voice of his that always spoke to the very back of the room as every classically trained Shakespearean great needs to master, has always been an inspiration. I want to send my condolences to his family. I’ll miss my friend dearly.

Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation alongside Patrick Stewart and directed him in multiple Star Trek productions, posted a simple message on Instagram wishing his friend rest in peace. Wil Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher in TNG, shared a photo of him with Patrick Stewart with the caption wishing Godspeed to the Captain.

William Shatner, who shared the screen with Patrick Stewart in 1994’s Star Trek Generations, marked the actor’s passing—which arrived shortly after the death of Star Trek’s Walter Koenig—on his X account.

What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. 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. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek, said that fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend. George Takei noted that as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before and inspired a whole next generation of stargazers.

Actor Kyle MacLachlan, who starred in David Lynch’s Dune alongside Patrick Stewart in the role of Gurney Halleck, recounted his time with his former co-star on Instagram.

My friend, we shared some memorable times…from the deserts of Arrakis to the mysterious jungles of Thailand and onto the New York stage. I already miss you. You will always be my Gurney Halleck and I, your young pup.

On Thursday, Marvel Studios released a statement honoring Patrick Stewart for his grace, intelligence, and humanity in bringing Professor Charles Xavier to life from X-Men to Logan and Avengers projects.

Finally, the official Sesame Street social media account posted a tribute showcasing the actor’s Shakespearean talents and disarming sense of humor. Sesame Workshop stated that it mourns the loss of Sir Patrick Stewart and thanked him for being a friend and sharing his brilliance, joy, and kindness with the world.

Source: Polygon