SNL airs tribute to Patrick Stewart following his death at 86

Saturday Night Live broadcast a tribute to Patrick Stewart, the 86-year-old actor who died at his Los Angeles home after a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to his representative. The program showed a clip from Stewart’s 1994 hosting appearance, in which he introduced musical guests Salt-N-Pepa, followed by a promotional photo from that episode.

Stewart’s representative said he was cared for by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and added, "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."

Marvel Studios released a statement noting Stewart’s death ahead of the December release of his final film, "Doomsday," and said, "Marvel Studios is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, the legendary English actor who brought Professor Charles Xavier to life. For more than 25 years, he brought a gravitas and profundity to the role, earning fans across the globe and helping to transform Super Hero storytelling forever."

Former co-stars Hugh Jackman and Famke Janssen were among those who posted tributes. In a July interview with TV Insider, Stewart said he did not plan to retire, stating, "As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer available roles as we get older. I still continue to receive interesting offers and I love being challenged by new work. I can’t imagine ever officially ‘retiring.’ I’ll always and forever be an actor."