Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published • loading... • Updated

Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Co-Star, Lifelong Friend Patrick Stewart

McKellen said Stewart was defined by his Yorkshire roots and praised his stage and screen career after the actor died at 86.

  • Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed stage and screen actor, died Wednesday at 86 following a journey with Alzheimer and Lewy Body Dementia. His lifelong friend Sir Ian McKellen shared an emotional tribute on Instagram Thursday.
  • The two British actors met through the Royal Shakespeare Company and later starred together in the X-Men film franchise as rivals Magneto and Charles Xavier. Their friendship extended beyond the screen through Broadway productions.
  • In his Instagram tribute, McKellen called Stewart "the most respected and beloved actor of his generation." He wrote, "He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love."
  • Tributes poured in from industry figures: Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige and co-star Jonathan Frakes praised Stewart, while the Royal Shakespeare Company called him "one of the finest classical Shakespearean actors of his generation." LeVar Burton wrote, "He was family."
  • Fans and colleagues anticipate Stewart's final film performance in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release this year. McKellen referenced the project in his tribute as Stewart's "farewell performance," marking the end of a storied career.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

184 Articles

WPBFWPBF
+25 Reposted by 25 other sources
Center

Ian McKellen pays tribute to co-star, lifelong friend Patrick Stewart

"He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love." | Actor and activist Ian McKellen has shared a touching tribute to his lifelong friend, Patrick Stewart.

Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Variety broke the news in Los Angeles, United States on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal