Judi Dench ‘very sad’ over Patrick Stewart’s death, remembers him as a ‘committed’ actor
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Judi Dench has paid an emotional tribute to Patrick Stewart following the actor’s death at the age of 86.
The veteran actress said she was shocked and deeply saddened by the news, remembering him as a dedicated performer who always gave his best to his work.
The two actors shared a connection through the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), where they worked alongside each other before Stewart became internationally known for his role in 'Star Trek'.
Judi Dench remembers Patrick Stewart in emotional tribute
According to The Independent, Judi Dench shared her reaction to Stewart’s death while speaking to the Press Association at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the National Theatre building.
“I was just very, very shocked to hear and very surprised to hear about it,” the 91-year-old actress said.
She also recalled his dedication to acting, saying, “He’s never been one of those actors who never felt like it that night, he was always very, very committed.”
Dench added, “I’m very sad. He’ll be much missed, and he was much admired.”
The two actors were members of the RSC, with Stewart joining the company in 1966.
They also appeared together in the 1982 television series 'Playing Shakespeare', which featured a series of masterclasses on the works of William Shakespeare.
Patrick Stewart’s legacy across 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men'
Stewart began his career on stage and became a familiar name in theatre through his work with the RSC.
He later reached a global audience when he took on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' in 1987.
The series ran for seven years and established him as one of the franchise’s most recognisable faces.
He also appeared in several 'Star Trek' films, including 'Star Trek Generations' (1994) and 'Star Trek: First Contact' (1996).
For another generation of viewers, Stewart became known as Professor Charles Xavier in the 'X-Men' franchise.
He returned to the role in films including 'X-Men: Days of Future Past', 'Logan', 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
His final appearance as the Marvel character is expected in 'Avengers: Doomsday', scheduled for release in December.
Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends. His family announced that he had experienced a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.”
The statement shared on his social media said he would be remembered for “the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role - in his art and life.”
