SNL pays emotional tribute to Patrick Stewart with throwback video days after his death at 86

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Saturday Night Live' paid tribute to Patrick Stewart days after his death at 86, sharing a throwback video of the actor enthusiastically introducing musical guests 'Salt-N-Pepa' during his 1994 hosting appearance.

The tribute comes amid emotional messages from Stewart’s 'X-Men' co-stars, including Ian McKellen, who remembered their decades-long friendship.

SNL honors Patrick Stewart with throwback tribute

In its tribute, 'Saturday Night Live' showed Stewart enthusiastically introducing musical guests 'Salt-N-Pepa', followed by a resurfaced promotional photograph from his hosting appearance.

Stewart died at his Los Angeles home following a short battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His representative announced the news.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and causes a gradual decline in mental abilities.

The ‘Logan’ star was being cared for by his 47-year-old wife, Sunny Ozell, when he died.

His representative shared an emotional statement about the actor’s final moments, saying, “He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all.”

The representative added, “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”

Marvel Studios also mourned Stewart ahead of the upcoming December release of his final film, ‘Doomsday’.

The studio remembered the legendary English actor for bringing Professor Charles Xavier to life in the ‘X-Men’ franchise.

“Marvel Studios is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, the legendary English actor who brought Professor Charles Xavier to life,” the statement read.

The studio further acknowledged his contribution to the franchise over more than 25 years, saying he brought “a gravitas and profundity to the role,” earned fans across the globe, and helped transform superhero storytelling forever.

Ian McKellen reflects on Patrick Stewart's legacy and friendship

Ian McKellen shared a touching tribute to his ‘X-Men’ co-star on Instagram, reflecting on their close friendship and his affection for the fellow English actor.

His statement was accompanied by a photograph of Stewart from his time as emeritus chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.

“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 recalled how Stewart's Yorkshire roots could be heard in his accent and were reflected in his “stern honesty” when expressing his thoughts and feelings.

“Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues,” he continued. “He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and, in my case, love.”

McKellen also recalled first meeting Stewart approximately half a century ago, when they were both ambitious young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Although they were part of the same company, they did not share the stage in any productions.

One of McKellen's strongest early memories of Stewart came a few years later, when they met on a street in central London.

Stewart told him about an offer to take over a leading role in ‘Star Trek’. McKellen recalled advising his friend to consider his stage career in the UK before accepting the opportunity.