Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and George Takei among those paying
tribute to Patrick Stewart
[October 30, 2026]
The death of Patrick Stewart at 86 led to a slew of tributes,
including from acting colleagues and even Marvel Studios. Known for his
roles as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek” and Professor Charles
Xavier in the “X-Men" films, Stewart died in Los Angeles on Wednesday
after what his spokesperson described as a “brief and poignant journey”
with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Ian McKellen
“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.” — the actor who co-starred with Stewart on stage and in
film.
William Shatner
“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.” — the actor and
Stewart's fellow “Star Trek” alum, in a statement.
Hugh Jackman
“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a
tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you,
Patrick Stewart, all of my days.” — the actor and Stewart's “X-Men”
co-star, on Instagram.
Minnie Driver
“Is this year some kind of portal to a much, much better place that all
the greatest people know about and so have gently made their exits ?
Dearest Patrick. Who always had the best advice, the funniest story, the
patience to listen. I’m just bereft. All love to your family, and you,
in my heart forever.” — the actor and Stewart's “The Wilde Wedding”
co-star, on social media.
Cary Elwes
“My heart is seriously heavy today. We have lost the marvelous #PatrickStewart.
I first met Patrick on the set of Lady Jane back in 1984 and fell in
love with him immediately. Not only was amiable and kind with a great
sense of humor, he was incredible to work with. His command of the
screen with his sheer presence and that unmistakable voice was a sight
to behold. Almost a decade later when Mel and I were discussing who
should play King Richard in Men in Tights, I told him it has to be
Patrick. Fortunately for us he accepted and once again shared his joy
and talent with us all. My now shattered heart goes out to Sunny, his
children, friends and fans, of which I will always be one. Good night,
sweet Prince.” — the actor and Stewart's “Lady Jane” and “Robin Hood:
Men in Tights” co-star, on Instagram.
Rebecca Romijn
“I feel so grateful to have known him for the last 25 years, and to have
been in his orbit … both as a fellow mutant and as a fellow member of
Starfleet. He was positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, 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 send my condolences
to his family, and I’ll miss my friend dearly. Rest in peace, Patrick.”
— the actor and Stewart's co-star in “X-Men” and “Star Trek” universe
movies, in a video on social media.
Kevin Feige
"I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sir Patrick Stewart on the set
of the firstX-Men. After years of knowing him as the inimitable Captain
Picard, I was in awe — and he turned out to be everything I had seen on
screen and more: brilliant, charming, warm, generous, with a quiet
strength and gravitas. Away from the cameras, he was even more
remarkable, with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor.
[to top of second column]
|
Patrick Stewart arrives at the premiere of the third and final
season of "Star Trek: Picard" on Feb. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
 "It was a true privilege to know him
and to work with him. His legacy lives on not only in decades of
extraordinary work, but in the many, many people he mentored. He
will be deeply missed." - the producer and president at Marvel
Studios, in a statement.
George Takei
“Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable
legend. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the
starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before. He inspired
a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to
a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed.
Rest in the heavens, Captain.” — the actor and Stewart’s fellow
“Star Trek” alum, on social media.
Seth MacFarlane
"Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted
would always be with us.
"I grew up as a fan, and was later gifted the privilege of becoming
a colleague and friend, working with him for many years on ‘American
Dad!’, ‘Family Guy’, and ‘Ted’. He was that rare actor who could
take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound
great, and a great writer sound masterful. He was also as humble as
they come. I remember exchanging emails with him a number of years
ago when he was beginning day 1 of a new film. He commented to me
that he always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice
there. My stunned reaction was the same as anyone’s would be. I
said, ‘Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed.’
We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good
friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire planet." - the actor
and producer, on Instagram.
Ricky Gervais
RIP Patrick Stewart. What an actor. I still can’t believe he agreed
to do this scene. And he didn’t even mind when I ruined every take.
Legend." - the actor, on Instagram alongside a video of an outtake
while filming a scene from the BBC/HBO comedy series “Extras.”
Marvel Studios
“All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of
Sir Patrick Stewart. Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to
life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining
the character for generations of fans, from X-Men to Logan to
Avengers: Doomsday. He was a singular talent, a generous
collaborator, and a true gentleman. Our hearts go out to his wife
Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the
world whose lives he touched with his art.” — in a social media
post.
SAG-AFTRA
“Sir Patrick Stewart will live on in our hearts and memories through
his remarkable career spanning the British stage, television and
film. Our condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and a
galaxy of fans. #SagAftraMember since 1987.” - in a social media
post.
Kumail Nanjiani
“Sir Patrick Stewart was the best. I don’t know what else I can
say.” — the actor, on social media.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
