Sir Ian McKellen leads tributes to 'beloved actor' Sir Patrick Stewart after his death at 86

Sir Ian McKellen has led tributes to Sir Patrick Stewart following his death at 86 from Alzheimer's disease, calling him "the most respected and beloved actor of his generation".Famous for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, Sir Patrick was a versatile actor who won multiple awards, balancing Hollywood roles and a career in classical theatre. Born in Yorkshire in 1940, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company before embarking on a lengthy career in film and television and appearing on Broadway.Fans have been laying flowers on his star at the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.Marvel Studios said it was deeply saddened by his death, describing him as "a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman".Star Trek co-star William Shatner said in a post on X that Sir Patrick 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 added, saying Sir Patrick would be deeply missed.Stewart depicted Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the later version of the hit sci-fi TV series across more than 170 episodes between 1987 and 1994. He also played the character in four feature films before returning in Star Trek: Picard from 2020 to 2023.George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, said the actor "inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity".Hugh Jackman, who starred with Sir Patrick in X-Men, called him a "tremendous friend and man", saying: "We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today."Sir Ian McKellen starred alongside Sir Patrick in the X-Men series and officiated at his wedding in 2013. The pair also appeared together in a 2009 theatre production of Waiting for Godot."He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and, in my case, love," Sir Ian said.Sir Patrick was also renowned for his roles in the Avengers and Logan.Comedian Ricky Gervais, who guest starred in the BBC programme Extras in 2005 alongside Sir Patrick, described him as a "legend".Sharing a video of the pair giggling in a set of bloopers for the series, the comedian wrote: "What an actor.""I still can't believe he agreed to do this scene. And he didn't even mind when I ruined every take," Gervais recalled.Sir Patrick was a lifelong supporter of English Football League club Huddersfield Town, who called him a "titan of his craft", saying his legacy would live on. "Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we're proud to have counted him as one of our own," the club said. The Alzheimer's Society in the UK said it was deeply saddened to hear about his death."Sir Patrick was an extraordinarily talented and much-loved actor, admired by millions around the world," CEO Michelle Dyson said."His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact dementia has on people and families across the globe," she added.As well as his appearances in Marvel films, Stewart also appeared in Safe House, Robin Hood: Men in Tights and Dune, released in 1984. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, and his roles included King John, Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Henry IV. The Royal Shakespeare Company described him as "a colossus of both stage and screen".In a statement, it remembered him as "one of the finest classical Shakespearean actors of his generation", saying his contribution to the company is "beyond measure".When Sir Patrick was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, he said he owed "literally everything" to his former English teacher who first encouraged him to perform. His love of drama began at school where he was introduced to Shakespeare and his first public performance was in a local church production of Cinderella.Sir Patrick threw himself enthusiastically into the flourishing local theatre. "I used to recite Shakespeare from memory," he said. "I just learned all these big speeches."