William Shatner Pays Tribute to 'Star Trek' Co-Star Patrick Stewart
Shatner lauded Stewart as a friend and colleague who 'stood for the best of us.'
William Shatner has paid tribute to his "Star Trek" franchise co-star Patrick Stewart, remembering him as a friend and a magnificent actor. Stewart, who portrayed Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," died Wednesday.
"What a heartbreaking week it has been," Shatner wrote in an Instagram tribute on Thursday. "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."
Shatner, who starred as Captain James T. Kirk in the original "Star Trek" series, added, "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."
Stewart's family announced his death in a statement shared on his official Instagram page. The statement indicated that Stewart had died "following a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Shatner concluded his tribute by expressing his condolences to Stewart's family. "My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed."
