Patrick Stewart, Iconic Actor, Honored by Marvel Stars Following Death at 86

Hugh Jackman, Famke Janssen, and Marvel Studios executives have paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed actor known for his roles as Professor X in the “X-Men” franchise and Captain Picard in “Star Trek,” following his death at the age of 86. Stewart's family announced his passing on Wednesday, citing complications from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Jackman, who played Wolverine alongside Stewart in the “X-Men” films, expressed his grief on Instagram, calling Stewart “one of the greats of stage and screen” and a “tremendous friend and man.” He added, “I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.” Jackman shared photos of himself and Stewart embracing.

Famke Janssen, who portrayed Jean Grey in the “X-Men” series, remembered Stewart as a legend and a great talent. "Patrick was a legend. One of the greats. I had the pleasure and honor of working with him over several decades," Janssen stated. "First as Kamala opposite him as Captain Picard in ‘Startrek: 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."

Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, also shared fond memories of Stewart. "I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sir Patrick Stewart on the set of the first ‘X-Men’,” Feige recalled. “After years of knowing him as the inimitable Captain Picard, I was in awe — and he turned out to be everything I had seen on screen and more: brilliant, charming, warm, generous, with a quiet strength and gravitas.” Feige noted Stewart’s sharp sense of humor and called him a “true privilege to know and to work with.”

Marvel Studios released a statement via X (formerly Twitter), expressing deep sadness over Stewart's death. The studio highlighted his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier, stating he “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.’” The statement concluded, “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.”

William Shatner, Stewart's co-star from the “Star Trek” franchise, also paid tribute, calling Stewart “a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor.”