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Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, more stars pay tribute to Patrick Stewart
Hollywood stars and entertainment bodies have paid tribute to legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart following his passing.
Ian McKellen
Among those who honored the acclaimed actor was his longtime friend and “X-Men” co-star Ian McKellen.
McKellen, who portrayed Magneto opposite Stewart's Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” franchise, shared a heartfelt tribute recalling their decades-long friendship.
The two first met as young actors at the Royal Shakespeare Company around 50 years ago.
In his tribute on Instagram, McKellen described Stewart as a proud Yorkshireman whose honesty and sincerity made him someone people could rely on.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love,” McKellen said.
He also recalled advising Stewart to carefully consider accepting the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek,” fearing that the opportunity might take him away from his theater career in the United Kingdom.
“But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to risk—getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?” McKellen recalled telling his friend.
Stewart eventually took the role, becoming an internationally recognized actor while continuing to perform in classical theater productions.
McKellen also highlighted Stewart's connection to his hometown, noting that his appointment as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield in Yorkshire was among his proudest achievements.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, who also starred alongside Stewart in the “X-Men” films, remembered him as a great actor and a dear friend.
“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,” Jackman said.
“I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days,” he added.
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. @mang0ld https://t.co/Ky6iv2MUek
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) October 29, 2026
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios also expressed its sadness over Stewart's passing, praising his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier for bringing grace, intelligence, and humanity to the character.
“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,’” the studio said.
It also described Stewart as “a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman,” while extending its condolences to his wife, Sunny, his children, friends, and fans.
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.
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) October 29, 2026
Patti Smith
Legendary American singer-songwriter and author Patti Smith posted a short but heartfelt tribute to Stewart on Instagram. Sharing a black-and-white photo with Stewart, she bid goodbye to “our dear captain.”
“He made it so,” Patti added.
The Academy
The Academy likewise honored Stewart's career spanning more than six decades, highlighting his ability to bring depth and vulnerability to his characters, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Xavier.
“Behind that unmistakable voice was an actor who understood that even the greatest heroes could be uncertain, that strength could exist alongside vulnerability, and that compassion was never a weakness,” the Academy said.
There was something extraordinary about the way Sir Patrick Stewart could make even the most powerful characters feel profoundly human. Whether commanding the bridge of the Enterprise or guiding a generation of young mutants, Sir Patrick Stewart brought a tenderness to his characters that made us feel we knew them. Behind that unmistakable voice was an actor who understood that even the greatest heroes could be uncertain, that strength could exist alongside vulnerability, and that compassion was never a weakness. Over a career spanning more than six decades, his performances became woven into the lives of generations who grew up watching him. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Professor Charles Xavier, and so many others, he left us with characters we loved, lessons we carried, and memories we'll always treasure.
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) October 29, 2026
William Shatner
“Star Trek” co-star William Shatner remembered Stewart as a friend, colleague, and 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 said.
“Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him,” he added.
Malcolm McDowell
Actor Malcolm McDowell, meanwhile, recalled meeting Stewart when they were both members of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1965.
“He was always a massive talent but had to come to the United States to make his talent appreciated by a larger audience,” McDowell said.
He also praised Stewart's portrayal of Picard and remembered his performance in “Macbeth.”
“It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him. RIP,” he added.
Russo Brothers
Filmmaking duo Anthony and Joe Russo, who worked with Stewart on Marvel projects, also paid tribute to the actor, describing him as a legendary performer with an unmistakable presence and unmatched integrity.
“Thank you for entertaining all of us, sir. And for teaching us humanity, both on and off the screen,” the Russo brothers said.
Stewart's portrayal of Professor X in the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” will be his final onscreen performance.
According to a statement posted on Stewart’s X account, the actor died at his home in Los Angeles in the care of his wife, Sunny.
Beyond his iconic portrayal of Professor X in the “X-Men” franchise, Stewart also appeared in other Marvel films, including “Logan,” “The Wolverine,” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” He was likewise best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Ebenezer Scrooge in the television film “A Christmas Carol.” —JCB, GMA News
