Patrick Stewart dies at 86 – Hugh Jackman, William Shatner, more pay tribute - USA Today
Hugh Jackman, William Shatner, Famke Janssen and more stars are paying tribute to Patrick Stewart with memories of the actor following the news of his death.
The Shakespearean stage and screen star, beloved as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film franchise, died Wednesday, Oct. 28, at his Los Angeles home, according to a statement shared on his social media Thursday, Oct. 29.
"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," the statement read. "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."
Below, friends and costars remember Stewart in their own words, sharing memories of the actor and the time they spent together.
Shatner, who portrayed Capt. James T. Kirk opposite Stewart's Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in the 1994 film "Star Trek Generations," paid tribute to his longtime friend and fellow actor on Instagram.
"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," he wrote.
"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," Shatner, 95, continued. "My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed."
"Patrick was a legend. One of the greats. I had the pleasure and honor of working with him over several decades," Janssen, best known for portraying Jean Grey in the "X-Men" films, told USA TODAY in a statement Oct. 29. "First as Kamala opposite him as Captain Picard in ['Star Trek: The Next Generation'] and later on as Jean Grey with Patrick embodying Professor X in the X-Men movies. You will be missed, Patrick, but never forgotten."
Jackman took to Instagram with a meaningful tribute, sharing two candid photos of the longtime friends embracing.
"We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today," wrote Jackman, 58, who starred as Wolverine alongside Stewart's Professor X in seven "X-Men" movies together. "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."
Jonathan Frakes, who starred alongside Stewart as Cmdr. William Riker on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," remembered his longtime friend and collaborator in a statement to USA TODAY.
"There is no one on this planet that I have acted with or directed more often than my late great friend Patrick Stewart. He will be with me forever. May he rest in peace," Frakes said.
The British actor died Wednesday, Oct. 28, at his Los Angeles home following a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia," according to a statement shared on his social media Thursday. He was 86.
Lewy body dementia, also known as LBD, is the second most common form of progressive dementia behind Alzheimer's disease. Both conditions can coexist.
Lewy body dementia develops when abnormal proteins accumulate in the brain, interfering with functions such as memory, thinking and movement, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with the condition may experience hallucinations, muscle stiffness, difficulty moving and periods of confusion or reduced alertness.
Other famous names have also suffered from Lewy body dementia, including the late comic and actor Robin Williams and baseball legend Tom Seaver, as well as CNN founder Ted Turner, who died in May after battling the condition.
