Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved screen legends – Sir Patrick Stewart.The actor, who captivated generations of viewers as the cerebral Captain Jean-Luc Picard in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and the telepathic Professor Charles Xavier in the ‘X-Men’ franchise, passed away on Wednesday. He was 86. The actor reportedly died at his Los Angeles home, following what his spokesperson described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to a statement shared on his X account.Soon after the news broke, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with Hugh Jackman, William Shatner, the Russo Brothers and Marvel Studios among those honouring the veteran actor. Co-stars, colleagues and fans remembered Stewart’s extraordinary legacy, celebrating a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on both television and cinema.Patrick Stewart’s Marvel family mourns his demiseHugh Jackman, who co-starred with Patrick Stewart in 8 films over the years, primarily through the X-Men franchise and a 2026 comedy, paid poignant tribute to his late friend. Sharing photos from behind the scenes on the big stage and their time on the sets of ‘Logan’, he 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. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.“Marvel Studios released a statement honouring his legacy that began with his stint in ‘X-Men’ and will reportedly conclude with his final turn in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’. The statement read, “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. 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.”‘Avengers: Doomsday’ director-duo the Russo Brothers also took to their handles to pay tribute. Sharing a still of Stewart from what is said to be his final film, they wrote, “We’ve been lucky enough to work with some of our childhood heroes. And Sir Patrick Stewart will always be one of them. A legendary actor with an unmistakeable presence, and an unmatched integrity. Thank you for entertaining all of us, sir. And for teaching us humanity, both on and off the screen. Sending our love to your family, friends, and fans around the world.”Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige also paid tribute to Stewart in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “Away from the cameras, he was even more remarkable, with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor. 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.”MacFarlane, who worked with Stewart on numerous projects, including Family Guy, Ted, Blunt Talk and American Dad!, penned a heartfelt note that read, “Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us.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. 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. 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.”
Star Trek family remembers Patrick Stewart
Stewart’s former co-star William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations, wrote in a statement on X, “What a heartbreaking week it has been. 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. 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.”Star Trek: Discovery actor Wilson Cruz said an Instagram Story that he’s been “devastated” by the news of Stewart’s death, Stewart’s Star Trek: The Next Generation costar Jonathan Frakes wrote on his own account, “Rest in peace my friend.”Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation series with Stewart, took to his handle to write, “Rest in peace my friend”George Takei and Stewart’s fellow “Star Trek” alum, on social media, “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. He inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.”
Celebs mourn Patrick Stewart’s demise
Tributes poured in on social media from all sections, including celebs, friends, former costars and even organisations that the late actor supported.Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles, following “a brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said. Stewart’s diagnoses had not been previously disclosed.“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” Hugh Jackman, a frequent Stewart co-star in the “X-Men” universe, said on social media. “And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.”While best known as Professor Charles Xavier and Captain Jean-Luc Picard from the “X-Men” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” series and films, respectively, Stewart spent more of his career onstage than in the X-Mansion or on the USS Enterprise.The actor is survived by two children, a daughter, Sophia, and a son, Daniel.