Marvel, Star Trek Stars Post Heartbreaking Tributes to Patrick Stewart

Stewart, best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, died after “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia,” his rep, Kelly Bush Novak, announced Thursday. Stewart's acting career spanned more than six decades, and his credits reached far beyond the Star Trek and Marvel universes. The breadth of tributes to the late Stewart illustrates the reach of his craft and how fondly he is remembered by his fellow actors, directors, and other creatives.

The X-Men family pays tribute

"Before everything else, Patrick was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire, the proud county in the north of England which he loved to the end," wrote Ian McKellen, who co-starred with Stewart in five X-Men films and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. "You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt. Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love."

Another longtime collaborator with Stewart, Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman, wrote on his Instagram account, "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."

Dafne Keen, who co-starred with Jackman and Stewart in Logan, remembered the late actor in a post on Instagram.

"He was such a kind, genuine, funny, unique, caring and charming man," Keen said. "I remember his endless jokes, nurturing nature and colourful reading glasses. Every single day spent working by his side was an honour and a privilege I can’t quite believe I had. He was a walking master of his craft, and of life. One of the greatest of our time, on stage and on screen.

"I have always looked up to him, and always will. As an actor and as a man. He had a wonderful way of wrapping every ancient lesson he imparted in wonder, fun and excitement. I will always remember his warmth and the respect he showed to everyone around him. I will forever hold those months we spent together close to my heart, and will always think of him as a pivotal part of how I view the world around me. So rest in peace, you giant, you legend amongst men. The beautiful work, humanity and kindness you leave behind will live on forever."

Original X-Men actors James Marsden (Scott Summers/Cyclops) and Rebecca Romjin (Raven Darkhölme/Mystique) also paid tribute to Stewart, highlighting his sense of humor and charm.

"We’ve lost a very special man," Marsden wrote. "Kind and generous, with extraordinary talent and a wicked sense of humor, it was impossible not to feel charmed, enlightened and downright joyous in his presence. I’m grateful to have spent the time I did with you, Patrick. Rest well, my good friend."

Star Trek stars remember Patrick Stewart

"I feel so grateful to have known him for the last 25 years and to have been in his orbit for the last 25 years — both as a fellow mutant and as a fellow member of Starfleet," Romjin said in a video message. "He was positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, [had an] incredible sense of humor, and that booming voice of his that always spoke to the very back of the room as every classically trained Shakespearean great needs to master, has always been an inspiration. I want to send my condolences to his family. I'll miss my friend dearly."

Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation series with Stewart and directed him in multiple Trek productions, posted on his Instagram account, "Rest in peace my friend." Wil Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher in TNG, shared a photo of him with Stewart with the caption, "Godspeed, Captain."

Fellow Starfleet captain William Shatner, who shared the screen with Stewart in 1994's Star Trek Generations, marked the actor's passing — which arrived shortly after the death of Star Trek's Walter Koenig — on his X account.

"What a heartbreaking week it has been," Shatner said. "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."

Star Trek's George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek, said of Stewart, "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, and 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."

Actor Kyle MacLachlan, who starred in David Lynch's Dune, in which Stewart played Gurney Halleck, recounted his time with his former co-star on Instagram. "My friend, we shared some memorable times…from the deserts of Arrakis to the mysterious jungles of Thailand and onto the New York stage," MacLachlan wrote. "I already miss you. You will always be my Gurney Halleck and I, your young pup."

On Thursday, Marvel Studios released a statement that honored Stewart's "grace, intelligence, and humanity."

Finally, the official Sesame Street social media account posted a tribute to Patrick Stewart that showcased the actor's indisputable Shakespearean talents and his disarming sense of humor. "Sesame Workshop mourns the loss of Sir Patrick Stewart. Thank you for being our friend and for sharing your brilliance, joy, and kindness with the world," the company said.