Tributes pour out for Sir Patrick Stewart, dead at 86
English actor Sir Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in iconic franchises like X-Men and Star Trek, has died at 86.
While he’ll be largely remembered for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, Stewart’s catalogue of acclaimed roles goes much further than the fan-favourite sci-fi shows and flicks.
Stewart played Darcy Banker in the 2015 thriller Green Room, playing a very different role than what his fans were used to: the villain. Many will also remember Stewart for his portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1999 A Christmas Carol.
He was also in the original Dune from 1984 and is credited in over 100 episodes of American Dad for the character Avery Bullock.
The upcoming Avengers: Doomsday will feature Stewart in one of his final roles, reprising his role as Professor X. He is also credited in an upcoming TV series called Barbaric.
Stewart has also been known to be good friends with fellow knighted English performer, Ian McKellen. According to reports, they became lifelong friends after meeting at the Royal Shakespeare Company. McKellen is 87 years old.
According to a statement from Stewart’s family, shared by People, Stewart’s death follows a brief journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. It was reported that he died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles.
Tributes are pouring out for the late actor, from fans and colleagues.
Variety shared a quote from producer Kevin Feige, who 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.”
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity,” Marvel Studios said.
Variety has also shared a report featuring tributes from Star Trek alums.
“I don’t think I realised just how much Patrick Stewart meant to me until I saw this news tonight,” said someone in response to a Variety post on X.
“Rest in peace to a great man and superb actor,” another fan said.