William Shatner, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Kevin Feige Remember Patrick Stewart: “He Was a Singular Talent”

2 hours ago

Patrick Stewart‘s former co-stars and fellow Hollywood notables and executives are paying tribute to the sci-fi icon following his death at age 86.

The actor, best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor X in X-Men, died on Wednesday after “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia,” his longtime rep Kelly Bush Novak previously shared.

Kevin Feige, William Shatner, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Minnie Driver, Marvel Studios and Lea Thompson are among those who have taken to social media to remember Stewart.

Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, shared in a statement with The Hollywood Reporter, “I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sir Patrick Stewart on the set of the first X-Men. 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. Away from the cameras, he was even more remarkable, with a wonderfully sharp sense of humor.”

“It was a true privilege to know him and to work with him,” he added. “His legacy lives on not only in decades of extraordinary work, but in the many, many people he mentored. He will be deeply missed.”

Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk alongside Patrick in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations, wrote on X, “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. 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. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.”

Jackman, who starred as Wolverine in several X-Men films, shared in a tribute on Instagram, “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. 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.”

Marvel Studios also shared on social media, “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. Sir Patrick 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. 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.”

MacFarlane, who worked with Stewart on numerous projects, including Family Guy, Ted, Blunt Talk and American Dad!, took to Instagram, writing, “Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us. I grew up as a fan, and was later gifted the privilege of becoming a colleague and friend, working with him for many years on “American Dad!”, “Family Guy”, and “Ted”. He was that rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great, and a great writer sound masterful. He was also as humble as they come.”

“I remember exchanging emails with him a number of years ago when he was beginning day 1 of a new film,” MacFarlane continued. “He commented to me that he always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice there. My stunned reaction was the same as anyone’s would be. I said, “Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed.” We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire planet.”

Minnie, who starred in 2017’s The Wilde Wedding with Stewart, wrote, “Is this year some kind of portal to a much, much better place that all the greatest people know about and so have gently made their exits ? Dearest Patrick. Who always had the best advice, the funniest story, the patience to listen. I’m just bereft. All love to your family, and you, in my heart forever.”

Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation series with Stewart, posted on his Instagram Story, “Rest in peace my friend.” Wil Wheaton, who also played Wesley Crusher in the series, shared a photo of him with Stewart on Instagram with the caption, “Godspeed, Captain.”

Thompson, who directed Stewart in two episodes of Star Trek: Picard, shared on social media, “This astonishing actor was kind enough to take a chance on me as a director. Always hardworking intelligent and so very good you could play the whole scene on him. @sirpatstew Patrick Stuart was indeed a Sir. To sir with love. #rip you were one of a kind.”

Kumail Nanjiani shared on Bluesky, “Sir Patrick Stewart was the best. I don’t know what else I can say.”

George Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek: The Original Series, wrote on Threads, “Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.”