Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman and Marvel honour Patrick Stewart after his death at 86

Sir Patrick Stewart, the British actor known worldwide for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died aged 86. Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and Marvel Studios were among those who paid tribute to the stage and screen performer.

Stewart died on Wednesday, October 28, at his Los Angeles home while surrounded by loved ones, according to his family. They said he had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

McKellen, Stewart’s longtime friend and X-Men co-star, wrote about the actor’s Yorkshire background, forthright nature and their friendship spanning decades. “He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love,” McKellen said.

In his tribute, McKellen recalled once advising Stewart not to take the lead role in Star Trek, concerned that moving to Hollywood might harm his theatre career. Stewart instead achieved global recognition while retaining ties to the stage and to Yorkshire, McKellen wrote. He also praised Stewart’s wife, Sunny Ozell, for her support during his illness, and noted that audiences have yet to see Stewart’s final performance in Avengers: Doomsday.

Jackman, who appeared with Stewart in the X-Men franchise as Wolverine, described him as an influential colleague and close 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. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days,” Jackman wrote.

William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, remembered Stewart as both a colleague and friend. “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. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him,” Shatner wrote.

Marvel Studios also highlighted Stewart’s work as Professor Charles Xavier, a role he portrayed across the X-Men franchise. The studio said his interpretation of the character had connected with generations of viewers.

“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,” Marvel said.

Stewart’s final film appearance is set to be in Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release in December 2026. His career encompassed film, television and theatre, leaving a body of work that reached audiences across generations.