Patrick Stewart tributes led by costars Hugh Jackman and William Shatner after X-Men star's death at 86

Patrick Stewart was remembered after his death on Wednesday by two stars most closely associated with him: Hugh Jackman and William Shatner.Jackman, who starred as Wolverine opposite Stewart's Professor Charles Xavier in multiple blockbuster X-Men movies, posted a moving tribute to the late stage and screen star, who died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles following 'a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.'In his post, the 58-year-old Logan star wrote: '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,' he said of Stewart. 'I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days..'Jackman included a poignant photo of Stewart putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder as they waited in the wings before going on stage.In another image, the Australian star sported a thick beard and wrapped an arm around Stewart on what appeared to be the set of Logan. Patrick Stewart was remembered after his death on Wednesday by two stars most closely associated with him: Hugh Jackman and William Shatner; Jackman and Stewart above in 2017 in Berlin Shatner passed the torch to Stewart in the Star Trek series when they starred together in 1994's Star Trek Generations Jackman, 58, wrote: '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,' he said of Stewart. 'I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days..'Shatner, 95, remembered Stewart with a photo of the two beaming and embracing outdoors.'What a heartbreaking week it has been,' he began, referencing the death on Sunday of his original Star Trek costar Walter Koenig at 90.'Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor,' Shatner wrote. '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. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work,' Shatner continued. 'My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.'Shatner is best known for leading the original Star Trek television series and the franchise's subsequent films as Captain James T Kirk.He and Stewart shared the screen in 1994's Star Trek Generations, the first film in the series to feature the cast of Stewart's series Star Trek: The Next Generation.The film, which became a box-office hit, allowed Shatner and members of the original series' cast to pass the torch to Stewart and his costars, who would lead subsequent Star Trek films even after the end of The Next Generation. '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 alongside a photo of himself embracing Stewart '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 continued. 'My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed'; above in 2005 in Las Vegas, Nevada Shatner and Stewart shared the screen in 1994's Star Trek Generations, the first film in the series to feature the cast of Stewart's series Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which the original star passed the torch to the franchise's new cast; Stewart pictured on Star Trek; The Next Generation in 1990Ian McKellen, who starred in multiple X-Men films as Magneto, Charles Xavier's friend-turned-nemesis – and occasional ally – shared a photo of the late actor in robes at the University of Huddersfield as he remembered his fallen friend.'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. You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt,' McKellen wrote. 'Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.'The X-Men actor recalled when both men met 'as ambitious young actors' while working with the Royal Shakespeare Company 'half a century ago,' though they were appearing in different plays. McKellen then recalled his next major memory of Stewart, when they met in London and Stewart revealed that he had received an offer 'to take over a leading part in Star Trek.' 'But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to risk getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?”' McKellen recalled responding. 'Well, he took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did for not just his devoted Trekkies but film and theatre audiences, who marvelled at his using international celebrity to star in a string of cinema successes ('X-Men' of course) and in great classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London’s West End and on Broadway.'McKellen said that Stewart's 'adopted home' of the US was 'where he met his adored Sunny who has cared for him through sickness and health, through thick and thin.''But he never forsook his origins: and the proudest achievement of the most respected and beloved actor of his generation on either side of the Atlantic, was his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire,' McKellen noted, before adding: 'His farewell performance in 'Avengers: Doomsday' is yet to be seen.'Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane also paid tribute to Stewart in a moving post on X. Ian McKellen, who starred in multiple X-Men films as Magneto, Charles Xavier's friend-turned-nemesis – and occasional ally – shared a photo of the late actor in robes at the University of Huddersfield as he remembered his fallen friend; above in January 2020 in London McKellen revealed the meeting early in their friendship when Stewart revealed he had been offered a major Star Trek role, which the Lord of the Rings star was initially suspicious ofStewart was featured as a recurring character on MacFarlane's animated series American Dad – on which Stewart's character was drawn to resemble the real-life star – and he also made multiple voice cameos and guest appearances on MacFarlane's earlier series, Family Guy. 'Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us,' MacFarlane wrote. 'I grew up as a fan, and was later gifted the privilege of becoming a colleague and friend, working with him for many years on American Dad!, Family Guy, and Ted.'He was that rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great, and a great writer sound masterful,' MacFarlane continued. 'He was also as humble as they come. 'I remember exchanging emails with him a number of years ago when he was beginning day 1 of a new film. He commented to me that he always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice there,' the comedian recalled. 'My stunned reaction was the same as anyone’s would be. I said, “Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed.” 'We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire planet,' MacFarlane concluded.George Takei, who starred on the original Star Trek series and films, paid tribute to Stewart with a post on Threads. '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, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity,' he wrote. 'Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.'Jonathan Frakes, Stewart's Star Trek costar, shared a photo of the late actor to his Instagram Stories and wrote: 'Rest in peace my friend.' Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane also paid tribute to Stewart in a moving post on X after working with the late actor extensively on both animated shows; above in March 2026 in NYC Stewart was featured as a recurring character on MacFarlane's animated series American Dad – on which Stewart's character was drawn to resemble the real-life star – and he also made multiple voice cameos and guest appearances on MacFarlane's earlier series, Family Guy George Takei, who starred on the original Star Trek series and films, paid tribute to Stewart with a post on Threads Jonathan Frakes, Stewart's Star Trek costar, shared a photo of the later actor to his Instagram Stories and wrote: 'Rest in peace my friend.'Rebecca Romijn, who appeared with Stewart on both Star Trek and in the early X-Men films, shared a video of herself paying tribute to the late actor. 'What a gift to have been your friend,' she captioned the clip. 'Rest in peace, dear Patrick.'In her video, Romijn confessed: 'I feel so grateful to have known him for the last 25 years, and to have been in his orbit … both as a fellow mutant and as a fellow member of Starfleet.'He was positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, incredible sense of humor, and that booming voice of his that always spoke to the very back of the room, as every classically trained Shakespearean great needs to master, has always been an inspiration,' she said.Star Trek's Wil Wheaton shared a picture of an old photo of himself posing with Stewart in his youth.'Godspeed, Captain,' he captioned it. The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes, who starred with Stewart in Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Lady Jane, wrote that his 'heart is seriously heavy today' after the loss of 'the marvelous' Stewart. 'I first met Patrick on the set of Lady Jane back in 1984 and fell in love with him immediately,' Elwes recalled. 'Not only was he amiable and kind with a great sense of humor, he was incredible to work with. His command of the screen with his sheer presence and that unmistakable voice was a sight to behold. Rebecca Romijn, who appeared with Stewart on both Star Trek and in the early X-Men films, shared a video of herself paying tribute to the late actor. 'What a gift to have been your friend,' she captioned the clip Star Trek's Wil Wheaton shared a picture of an old photo of himself posing with Stewart in his youth. 'Godspeed, Captain,' he captioned it'Almost a decade later when Mel [Brooks] and I were discussing who should play King Richard in Men in Tights, I told him it has to be Patrick,' Elwes continued. 'Fortunately for us he accepted and once again shared his joy and talent with us all. 'My now shattered heart goes out to Sunny, his children, friends and fans, of which I will always be one. Good night, sweet Prince,' he concluded.Dafne Keen, who starred with Stewart in Logan as the mutant Laura/X-23, said it was 'funny in a kismet kind of way' that she had learned of Stewart's death after writing him an email the night before, 'something I hadn't done in quite some time.''He was such a kind, genuine, funny, unique, caring and charming man,' Keen wrote. 'I remember his endless jokes, nurturing nature and colourful reading glasses. Every single day spent working by his side was an honour and a privilege I can’t quite believe I had. He was a walking master of his craft, and of life. One of the greatest of our time, on stage and on screen.'The actress admitted that she had 'always looked up' to Stewart 'as an actor and as a man,' something that she would continue to do.'He had a wonderful way of wrapping every ancient lesson he imparted in wonder, fun and excitement. I will always remember his warmth and the respect he showed to everyone around him,' she wrote. 'I will forever hold those months we spent together close to my heart, and will always think of him as a pivotal part of how I view the world around me.'So rest in peace, you giant, you legend amongst men. The beautiful work, humanity and kindness you leave behind will live on forever,' Keen concluded.Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige remembered Stewart in a statement to Variety. The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes, who starred with Stewart in Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Lady Jane, wrote that his 'heart is seriously heavy today' after the loss of 'the marvelous' Stewart Dafne Keen, who starred with Stewart in Logan (2017) as the mutant Laura/X-23, said it was 'funny in a kismet kind of way' that she had learned of Stewart's death after writing him an email the night before, 'something I hadn't done in quite some time'; Above, with Hugh Jackman in Logan'I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sir Patrick Stewart on the set of the first X-Men,' Feige said. 'After years of knowing him as the inimitable Captain Picard, I was in awe – and he turned out to be everything I had seen on screen and more: brilliant, charming, warm, generous, with a quiet strength and gravitas.'Away from the cameras, he was even more remarkable, with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor,' the producer continued. 'It was a true privilege to know him and to work with him. His legacy lives on not only in decades of extraordinary work, but in the many, many people he mentored. He will be deeply missed.'Marvel Studios also paid tribute to Stewart in a post on X, writing: '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,"' the post read. '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.'The Star Trek franchise also honored its late star on social media, calling him: 'A voice. A presence. A captain unlike any other. 'Sir Patrick Stewart gave generations of fans an icon who inspired us to look toward the stars,' the post read. 'Today, we celebrate an extraordinary life and an enduring legacy. Thank you, Sir Patrick.'In his final moments, Stewart had his 'beloved' wife Sunny Ozell by his side, a statement on his Instagram page announced on Thursday. The English star gained international stardom for his leading role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994, a role he reprised in a series of films and Star Trek: Picard from 2020 to 2023. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige remembered Stewart in a statement to Variety, while the studio paid tribute in a post on X The Star Trek franchise also honored its late star on social media, calling him: 'A voice. A presence. A captain unlike any other' He also garnered acclaim for playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series from 2000 to 2017.'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 emotional statement announcing his death continued.'We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.''His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre.'He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise. 'His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties. 'He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role — in his art and life.'While best known for his roles in blockbuster movies and TV shows, the classically trained stage actor also scaled the Shakespearean canon. Stewart died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles following 'a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia,' spokesman Kelly Bush Novak announced. Above, in June 2024 The star was wed three times, marrying his final wife Sunny Ozell in 2013. Above, in 2023 In 1966, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and later made his Broadway theatre debut in 1971 in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.He would go on to win a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Antony and Cleopatra in the West End. Besides playing everyone from Claudius to Macbeth, he often performed a one-man rendition of A Christmas Carol and did West End and Broadway runs of Harold Pinter's No Man's Land and Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot in repertoire with buddy Ian McKellen. Stewart was knighted in 2010 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama. The actor was married three times and is survived by two children. He first wed Sheila Falconer in 1966, and they divorced in 1990 after welcoming son Daniel and daughter Sophia together.His second wife was Wendy Neuss, one of the producers of Star Trek: The Next Generation. They married in 2000 and divorced three years later.His third and final marriage was to singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell, 47, whom he wed in 2013.In a 2015 interview with The Mail on Sunday’s Event magazine, Ozell said the hardest part of their relationship was meeting Stewart’s children from his first marriage. He also garnered acclaim for playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series from 2000 to 2017 Stewart is pictured with the cast of Star Trek in 1987 He first wed Sheila Falconer in 1966 and they divorced in 1990 after welcoming son Daniel and daughter Sophia together. Above, in 1992 His second wife was Wendy Neuss. Above, in 2002She said: ‘That was territory I trod on very lightly. I didn’t want to force myself on them, but they were very welcoming.’And she said the age gap was irrelevant. ‘He is so youthful, and I guess I’m kind of an old worry wart so we bridge the gap. It doesn’t come up much. He’s in better shape than me, which infuriates me.’And Stewart said: ‘I remember my 40th birthday vividly and I swear to God it was last week. I have a little bit of arthritis, but I don’t feel any different.’The couple met through a mutual friend in 2008 when American singer-songwriter Ozell was working as a waitress in New York. They married in September 2013 on the banks of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in a wedding officiated by Stewart’s best friend and fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen.McKellen registered as a minister with the Universal Life Church, which celebrates freedom of religion, in order to officiate at Stewart and Ozell’s wedding on the shores of Lake Tahoe.‘It was an immediate attraction,’ said Stewart of his first time meeting Ozell.‘When she came over to offer us dessert on the house – because her manager had insisted – we got talking.Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Above left to right: Stewart's son Daniel, daughter Sophie, Stewart himself, and now ex-wife Wendy in July 2001 Stewart married his third wife in September 2013 on the banks of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in a wedding officiated by Stewart’s best friend and fellow actor Sir Ian McKellen. Above, Stewart and McKellen in London in 2020'She very kindly said she wanted to see Macbeth and then I gave her my mobile phone number.’‘Instinct is everything in a situation like that,’ says Stewart, who had only recently divorced his second wife, Neuss.‘I felt I was talking to a really nice, intelligent, interesting, gorgeous woman. It’s rare that those elements all come together at the same time.’Stewart’s illustrious career began at the age of 12. He performed in playhouses across England before making his London theatrical debut in 1966 and touring with the Old Vic company, one of the most selective drama schools in the world. He then joined the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, where he made his first Broadway appearance as Snout in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1971 and began his 27-year association with the establishment.Stewart’s love for Shakespeare was born after he was given The Merchant of Venice by his English teacher Cecil Dormand. He told The Guardian in 2021: ‘I barely understood a word, but I loved the feel of the words and sounds in my mouth. A 400-year-old writer reached out a hand in invitation to me [and] I felt a sense of an internal, private me being released and connecting with something mysterious, alien and exciting. I was hooked.’Stewart was extremely grateful to Dormand for ‘saving’ him from his ‘dull, uncomfortable and sometimes scary home life, living with an abusive father,’ by putting Shakespeare into his hands and giving him hope for a better future. Stewart with his award for A Christmas Carol at the 1994 Olivier Awards The talented actor received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 1996Dormand encouraged Stewart to pursue acting and even paid for him to have his first formal acting lessons. Stewart remained thankful to Dormand throughout his life, often wondering what his life would have been like if he had not crossed paths with the English teacher.Stewart continued as a stage actor for the first 25 years of his career, despite landing a few small roles in British and American films from 1973. He once said: ‘All I know is that I have to act. It’s a compulsion. I’m driven to it. I wouldn’t say that I would die if it were taken away from me, but a large part of me would shrivel up.’ International recognition came in 1987 when he secured the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the science-fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987). He was so convinced that he was going to be fired that he did not unpack his bags for six weeks, saying he didn’t think he would ‘survive beyond the pilot’. He said: ‘I thought the producers would come to their senses and realize they’d made a grave error in casting me. Eventually it became clear to me that not only wasn’t I going to go away, the series wasn’t going to go away. I stayed and have relished every moment.’ The role brought Stewart an exceptional level of fame with his refined voice and natural gravitas making him a household name and winning him a place at the heart of The Next Generation series. He went on to reprise his role as Capt Jean-Luc Picard and starred in a string of successful Star Trek films: Star Trek: Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). In 2008, he took on the role of Claudius in Hamlet (Above) and received his third Laurence Olivier Award Stewart was knighted in 2010 by Queen Elizabeth II for services to dramaA proud Yorkshireman and lifelong supporter of Huddersfield Town Football Club, Stewart was born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, on July 13, 1940, to textile worker Gladys Barrowclough and army personnel Alfred Stewart. Stewart struggled at school and said he spent much of his childhood being ‘afraid’, with a father who was often violent and abusive. Stewart appeared in other films and stage productions including Masterminds, an episode of The Simpsons, and A Christmas Carol, as well as being considered for a role in Doctor Who: The Movie, and the part of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), which went to Johnny Depp. Stewart also used his perfect British diction to comedic effect in cartoon TV shows and lent his voice to several animated movies – Gnomeo and Juliet (2011), Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012), Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (2013) and The Emoji Movie (2017).Despite Stewart’s many on-screen successes, he never stopped performing Shakespeare on stage. His masterful performance of the title role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth got him a Tony Award nomination. In 2008, he took on the role of Claudius in Hamlet and received his third Laurence Olivier Award for his performance, and in 2010 he was awarded a knighthood. On receiving his knighthood, Stewart called it an ‘honor that embraces those actors, directors and creative teams who have in these recent years helped fill my life with inspiration, companionship and sheer fun’.