Patrick Stewart, the legendary Star Trek and X-Men actor, has died at 86. Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and his co-stars remember the actor as Hollywood pays tribute to his extraordinary career.
Veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart, whose performances in Star Trek and X-Men made him a familiar face across generations, has died at the age of 86. The actor passed away at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, October 28, following what his spokesperson described as a "brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from Hollywood, including former co-stars, filmmakers, entertainment institutions and actors who worked alongside him throughout his career.
Hugh Jackman, who shared the screen with Stewart in the X-Men films, remembered him as a close friend and mentor. William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, also paid tribute to his fellow Star Trek actor.
Who was Patrick Stewart?
Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England, Patrick Stewart was a celebrated British actor whose career spanned more than six decades across theatre, television and cinema.
Before becoming an internationally recognised screen actor, Stewart established himself in British theatre. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1969 and spent nearly two decades performing in classical productions, including several Shakespeare plays.
His extensive theatre background helped him develop the commanding voice, expressive delivery and stage presence that later became defining features of his screen performances.
Stewart achieved worldwide recognition in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He played the captain of the USS Enterprise throughout the television series, which ran until 1994, and later reprised the character in several films and the series Star Trek: Picard.
He also became widely known for portraying Professor Charles Xavier, also called Professor X, in the X-Men film franchise. His character was a powerful mutant who believed in peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants and served as a mentor to younger mutants.
Stewart appeared alongside Ian McKellen, who played Magneto, in several films in the franchise. Their performances became central to the X-Men film series.
Some of his other notable screen appearances included Dune (1984), Excalibur (1981), Green Room (2015), and the television comedy series Extras.
Stewart received several honours during his career, including two Laurence Olivier Awards. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his services to drama.
He is survived by his wife, singer Sunny Ozell, and his two children, Daniel and Sophia, from his first marriage to Sheila Falconer.
Hugh Jackman remembers Patrick Stewart as a friend and mentor
Hugh Jackman, who portrayed Wolverine opposite Stewart's Professor X in the X-Men films, shared photographs from their time working together, including moments from the sets of Logan.
Remembering the veteran actor, Jackman wrote, "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."
Jackman's message reflected the personal bond the two actors developed while working together in the superhero franchise.
William Shatner pays tribute to his fellow Star Trek captain
William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, remembered Stewart as a friend, colleague and exceptional performer.
Sharing a photograph with the late actor, Shatner wrote, "What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor."
He further recalled Stewart's contribution to the franchise, adding, "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."
Shatner also expressed his affection and admiration for Stewart and extended his condolences to his wife Sunny and family.
George Takei, Jonathan Frakes and Star Trek co-stars mourn the actor
George Takei, another familiar face from the original Star Trek universe, remembered Stewart for the optimism and hope his portrayal of Captain Picard brought to audiences.
He said Stewart inspired generations of viewers to imagine a brighter future for humanity, describing him as an irreplaceable legend.
Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker alongside Stewart in Star Trek: The Next Generation, shared a brief but emotional farewell, writing, "Rest in peace my friend."
Wilson Cruz, who appeared in Star Trek: Discovery, also expressed his sadness over the actor's death.
X-Men co-stars remember Stewart's kindness
Stewart's contribution to the X-Men franchise extended beyond his portrayal of Professor X. Several younger actors who worked with him remembered his kindness, humour and encouragement.
Dafne Keen, who played Laura in Logan, shared a particularly emotional tribute. She recalled that she had been preparing an email to Stewart shortly before learning of his death.
Keen remembered his humour, colourful reading glasses and the way he made people feel valued on set. She also credited him with teaching her important lessons about acting and life.
Rebecca Romijn, who worked with Stewart in both X-Men and Star Trek, shared a video message, writing, "What a gift to have been your friend. Rest in peace, dear Patrick."
The Russo Brothers, who worked with Stewart on Avengers: Doomsday, also remembered him as an actor they had admired since childhood. They praised his presence, integrity and contribution to the entertainment industry.
Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige remember Professor X actor
Marvel Studios paid tribute to Stewart, whose portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier became one of the defining performances of the X-Men franchise.
In a statement, the studio said, "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."
Marvel also described him as a "singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman", extending condolences to his wife Sunny, children, friends and fans.
Marvel president Kevin Feige recalled meeting Stewart on the sets of the original X-Men film. He remembered the actor as brilliant, charming, warm and generous, adding that his legacy would continue through his performances and the people he mentored.
Seth MacFarlane remembers Stewart's humour and humility
Actor and filmmaker Seth MacFarlane, who collaborated with Stewart on Family Guy, American Dad!, Ted and Blunt Talk, remembered him as an exceptionally talented performer.
MacFarlane recalled how Stewart could elevate even ordinary dialogue through his delivery and acting ability.
He also shared an anecdote about Stewart admitting that he still felt like a novice when starting work on a new film. MacFarlane said the admission reflected the actor's humility despite his extraordinary experience and achievements.
The Academy also honoured Stewart, highlighting his ability to bring emotional depth and humanity to powerful fictional characters.
SAG-AFTRA, of which Stewart had been a member since 1987, remembered his contribution to British theatre, television and cinema.
Other colleagues, including Minnie Driver, also shared emotional messages. Driver remembered Stewart for his advice, humour and willingness to listen, describing herself as heartbroken by his death.
Patrick Stewart's legacy beyond Star Trek and X-Men
Patrick Stewart's career represented an unusual transition from classical British theatre to international popular culture.
His Shakespearean training helped establish him as a respected stage performer before Star Trek introduced him to a global television audience. His portrayal of Captain Picard brought a more thoughtful and diplomatic dimension to the science-fiction franchise.
His later role as Professor X further expanded his influence, with the character representing tolerance, understanding and peaceful coexistence despite differences.
Beyond science fiction and superhero films, Stewart also demonstrated his versatility through comedy, independent cinema and voice acting.
His performances, particularly as Picard and Professor X, helped establish characters who remained relevant across generations of viewers. The tributes following his death reflect not only his contribution to entertainment but also the personal relationships he built with colleagues throughout his career.
Published: 30 Oct 2026, 08:07 am IST
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