X-Men Cast and Colleagues Honor Late Actor Patrick Stewart
Friends and former co-stars, including Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Romijn, paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, who died at 86 after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Patrick Stewart died on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home at age 86, after a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak announced.
The actor, best known for portraying Professor Charles Xavier in the original X-Men film series, appeared in the franchise from the 2000 debut through 2017’s Logan and had cameo roles in Wolverine titles. He is slated to return as Professor X in the upcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday, joining several former X-Men co-stars.
Ian McKellen, who played Magneto in the Fox-era X-Men movies, posted a tribute noting Stewart’s Yorkshire roots and his straightforward honesty. He recalled their early work together at the Royal Shakespeare Company and praised Stewart’s contributions to both stage and screen.
Hugh Jackman, who starred as Wolverine alongside Stewart, wrote on Instagram that Stewart was a “great friend and man” whose loss would be felt for years.
Rebecca Romijn, who played Mystique and will appear with Stewart in Doomsday, expressed gratitude for their 25-year friendship and highlighted his distinctive voice and sense of humor.
Famke Janssen, who portrayed Jean Grey, called Stewart “a legend” and recalled working with him on Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men films.
Kelsey Gram-mer, who played Beast, sent condolences and remembered Stewart’s guest appearance on Frasier and their collaborations on the X-Men movies.
Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige said he was impressed by Stewart’s professionalism and generosity, noting his impact on colleagues and the industry.
Stewart’s family and fans were also offered condolences by numerous colleagues, reflecting his long career in film, television and theatre.