Hollywood mourns the legendary British actor as Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Dafne Keen, and fellow stars pay tribute to his extraordinary life and legacy.
British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for portraying Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, has died at 86. The celebrated stage and screen veteran passed away on Wednesday, October 28, at his Los Angeles home, according to his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak.
As reported by the Associated Press, Stewart died following a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He was surrounded by loved ones in his final days, leaving behind an extraordinary career spanning more than six decades.
Tributes have poured in from Hollywood, particularly his X-Men co-stars. Hugh Jackman, who portrayed Wolverine alongside Stewart’s Professor X, remembered him as an exceptional actor and friend. “I learned so much from him,” Jackman wrote on Instagram, adding that he would miss Stewart for the rest of his life.
Dafne Keen, who starred alongside Stewart and Jackman in the critically acclaimed 2017 film Logan, also shared an emotional tribute. The actress recalled his humor, kindness, nurturing personality, and colorful reading glasses, describing their time together as an immense privilege.
Among the most poignant tributes came from Ian McKellen, Stewart’s longtime friend and onscreen counterpart Magneto. Their friendship began approximately half a century ago at the Royal Shakespeare Company, eventually developing into one of Hollywood’s most beloved partnerships. McKellen remembered Stewart’s Yorkshire roots, sincerity, and unwavering honesty, describing him as someone he could admire, depend on, and love.
Fellow X-Men star Rebecca Romijn, who portrayed Mystique, also remembered Stewart through an emotional Instagram video. Having known him for 25 years through their work in both the X-Men and Star Trek franchises, Romijn recalled his infectious humor, commanding voice, and remarkable personality. “What a gift to have been your friend,” she wrote, bidding farewell to the actor she affectionately remembered as a dear friend.
Meanwhile, Star Trek legend William Shatner, best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk, honored Stewart’s contributions to the beloved science-fiction franchise. Remembering him as a friend, colleague, and magnificent actor, Shatner praised the intelligence, grace, and humanity he brought to his performances. “Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him,” he wrote in his heartfelt tribute.
Stewart’s most iconic performances included Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men (2000), X2 (2003), and Logan (2017); Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) and Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023); Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol (1999); and numerous acclaimed Shakespearean productions, including “Macbeth” and “Hamlet.” His distinctive voice also reached audiences through American Dad and Family Guy. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, Stewart earned widespread recognition for his contributions to drama.
His final onscreen appearance is expected in Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December 2026, where he will reprise Professor X alongside McKellen’s Magneto. Marvel Studios and directors Anthony and Joe Russo have also paid tribute to his remarkable talent and generosity.
Stewart is survived by his wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, and his two children, Daniel and Sophie. His legacy lives on through generations of actors, audiences, and admirers who found wisdom, warmth, and humanity in his unforgettable performances.
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