William Shatner, Hugh Jackman and more pay tribute to Patrick Stewart after his death at 86
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: For many, Sir Patrick Stewart will always be Captain Jean-Luc Picard or Professor Charles Xavier. But for the actors who shared the screen with him, he was also a friend, mentor and cherished colleague.
Following his death, Hollywood has come together to remember the legendary actor through emotional tributes celebrating both his remarkable career and the person he was behind the scenes. Stewart was 86 years old and died on Wednesday, October 28, at his Los Angeles home after what his family described as a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
William Shatner, Hugh Jackman and 'Star Trek' co-stars pay tribute to Patrick Stewart
William Shatner remembered Stewart with an emotional tribute. Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk, shared a photograph of himself embracing Stewart and described him as a friend, colleague and magnificent actor.
“What a heartbreaking week it has been. 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, “Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work.” Shatner also sent his love to Stewart's wife, Sunny, and his family, adding that the actor would be deeply missed.
Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker opposite Stewart's Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', also shared a short but emotional message. “Rest in peace my friend,” Frakes wrote in an Instagram Story.
George Takei, another familiar face from the 'Star Trek' universe, also remembered Stewart and his contribution to the franchise.
“Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before,” Takei wrote.
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
The two actors shared the screen in several 'X-Men' films, with Stewart playing Professor Charles Xavier and Jackman portraying Wolverine.
Marvel Studios also paid tribute to Stewart, recognizing his contribution to the 'X-Men' films through his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier.
“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 shared the statement on October 29. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also remembered working with Stewart on the first 'X-Men' film.
“It was a true privilege to know him and to work with him,” Feige said.
Ian McKellen, who played Magneto in the 'X-Men' franchise, also paid tribute to his longtime co-star. He shared a lengthy post and began by remembering Stewart's roots and connection to his hometown.
"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.
Patrick Stewart's family confirms his death after battle with dementia
A statement shared on Patrick Stewart's Instagram account on Thursday, October 29, confirmed that the actor died at his home in Los Angeles. His wife, Sunny, was with him during his final moments as he faced what the family described as a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.”
The family also asked those wishing to honor his memory to make donations to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America rather than sending flowers.
Stewart leaves behind a legacy spanning stage, television and film, with his portrayals of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier remaining among his most celebrated performances.
