Hugh Jackman pays tribute to 'tremendous friend and man' Patrick Stewart after death aged 86
Sir Patrick Stewart's X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman has led tributes to the 86-year-old actor.
A statement on Stewart's Instagram confirmed he passed away on Wednesday (28 October) after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Jackman, who co-starred with Stewart in seven X-Men films, 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."
He shared behind-the-scenes pictures of the pair together, including one that appeared to be from the set of 2017's Logan.
William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek while Stewart played Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, also said the actor would be 'deeply missed'.
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He wrote: "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.
"My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed."
When Stewart made his first screen appearance as Captain Picard, he was described as an 'unknown British Shakespearean actor' by the LA Times.
The role, alongside his stint as Professor Charles Xavier, would make him a global household name.
Meanwhile, Mike Colter, who played Luke Cage in several Marvel TV shows, also wrote: "Rest well sir. You left a mark indeed."
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also tweeted: “Heartbroken by the death of Sir Patrick Stewart.
“From Shakespeare to Star Trek, he boldly went where few had gone before, and took millions of us with him.
“He never forgot his roots, nor did he shy away from using his voice to stand up for others, particularly those affected by domestic violence. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
A statement shared on Sir Patrick Stewart's Instagram read: “We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
“A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television.
“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise.
“His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties. He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role – in his art and life.
“Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.” — Patrick Stewart, Making It So: A Memoir.
Simon Fearn