Sir Ian McKellen has led tributes to Sir Patrick Stewart following his death.
Sir Patrick, born in Mirfield, died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (October 28).
The renowned actor was best known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.
A statement on social media said: "We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy body dementia.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Tributes paid to Sir Patrick Stewart following his death
Tributes have already begun flooding in following Sir Patrick's death, led by Sir Ian McKellen.
Sir Ian McKellen
In a heartfelt statement, Sir Ian said: "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."
Sir Ian said Sir Patrick “never forsook his origins” and described his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University as one of his proudest achievements.
He also recalled warning Sir Patrick against taking the Star Trek role, fearing it might derail his stage career in the UK.
Sir Ian said: "'But Patrick, think of your stage career in the UK.
"'Do you really want to risk getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?'"
“Well, he took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did for not just his devoted Trekkies but film and theatre audiences, who marvelled at his using international celebrity to star in a string of cinema successes (‘X-Men’ of course) and in great classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London’s West End and on Broadway.”
Huddersfield Town
Sir Patrick went on to become a global star, but remained deeply connected to his Yorkshire roots.
Huddersfield Town paid tribute to their “lifelong supporter” in a statement, calling him a “titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide.”
All at Huddersfield Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time. A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on. Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier 💙 #htafc
— Huddersfield Town (@htafc) October 29, 2026
The statement read: "Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own.
"Once a Terrier, always a Terrier."
Wes Streeting
Sir Patrick’s influence extended well beyond the stage and screen.
He was a vocal advocate for human rights, domestic violence survivors, refugees, veterans’ mental health, and animal welfare.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: "From Shakespeare to Star Trek, he boldly went where few had gone before, and took millions of us with him.
"He never forgot his roots, nor did he shy away from using his voice to stand up for others, particularly those affected by domestic violence.
"May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios also paid tribute to the actor following his death.
The company said: "Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans.
"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."
Sir Patrick's final film, Avengers: Doomsday, is due for release in December.
What is your favourite Sir Patrick Stewart movie or TV show? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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