30 October 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Hollywood is mourning the death of legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actor died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, following what his spokesperson described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Following the announcement, several prominent actors and colleagues paid emotional tributes to Stewart, remembering not only his remarkable contribution to cinema and television but also his warmth, honesty and friendship. Among those who remembered him were his X-Men co-stars Hugh Jackman and Sir Ian McKellen, along with Star Trek actor William Shatner.
Ian McKellen Remembers Their Decades-Long Friendship
Sir Ian McKellen, who played Magneto opposite Stewart’s Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, shared a deeply personal tribute on social media. Recalling their friendship, which began around five decades ago, McKellen described Stewart as a proud Yorkshireman whose honesty and straightforward nature made him someone people could depend on.
“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,” McKellen wrote.
He also remembered Stewart’s direct way of expressing his thoughts and feelings, adding, “He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.”
McKellen recalled that the two first met as ambitious young actors associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company, although they were not part of the same productions at the time.
He also shared a memory of meeting Stewart on a London street when the latter told him about an offer to take a leading role in Star Trek. McKellen remembered advising his friend to consider the impact that moving to Hollywood might have on his British theatre career. Stewart eventually accepted the opportunity, a decision that helped make him an internationally recognised star.
Their friendship continued across theatre and film. The two actors also worked together in stage productions, including Waiting for Godot and No Man’s Land. McKellen was also the officiant at Stewart’s 2013 wedding to Sunny Ozell.
Hugh Jackman Calls Stewart a Tremendous Friend
Hugh Jackman, who shared the screen with Stewart in several X-Men films as Wolverine, remembered him as one of the great performers of stage and screen.
In his tribute, 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.”
The two actors worked together in multiple films, including X-Men (2000), X2 (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) and Logan (2017).
Their performances as Wolverine and Professor X became an important part of the franchise. Stewart’s portrayal of the wise and compassionate mutant leader, in particular, helped establish Professor X as one of the most recognisable characters in superhero cinema.
William Shatner Pays Tribute to His Fellow Star Trek Actor
William Shatner, famous for playing Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, also expressed his sadness over Stewart’s passing.
The two actors appeared together in the 2011 documentary The Captains, which Shatner wrote, directed and hosted. Remembering Stewart as both a colleague and a friend, Shatner praised the humanity and intelligence he brought to his performances.
“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,” Shatner wrote.
He added that Captain Picard represented the best of humanity and that the actor who portrayed him reflected those qualities as well. Shatner also extended his condolences to Stewart’s wife, Sunny, and the rest of his family.
A Career That Connected Theatre, Star Trek and X-Men
Born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England, Patrick Stewart built a distinguished career across theatre, television and cinema. Before becoming a global entertainment figure, he spent years developing his craft as a stage actor and became closely associated with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His international breakthrough came with Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which he played Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The role made him a familiar face among science-fiction audiences and established Picard as one of television’s most memorable characters.
He later reached a new generation of viewers through the X-Men films, playing Professor Charles Xavier, the leader and mentor of the mutant team. His performance brought authority, compassion and emotional depth to the character.
Stewart’s contribution to the entertainment industry extended beyond these two major franchises. He continued to work in theatre and on screen, earning admiration for his versatility and commanding performances.
Patrick Stewart’s Final Screen Appearance
Stewart is also expected to appear as Professor Charles Xavier in Marvel’s upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release on December 18, 2026. The appearance will bring his portrayal of the iconic character into the next chapter of the Marvel franchise.
His death has prompted tributes from colleagues, film studios and fans around the world. Marvel Studios also remembered him for bringing grace, intelligence and humanity to Professor X.
For audiences, Stewart will remain closely associated with Captain Picard and Professor Xavier. For those who worked alongside him, however, the tributes from Jackman, McKellen and Shatner reflect another part of his legacy: a respected colleague, a generous friend and an actor whose influence extended far beyond the characters he played.