Entertainment · October 30, 2026
Ian McKellen Honors Close Friend Patrick Stewart: 'A Man to Rely On, to Admire and In My Case, Love'
English actor Ian McKellen issued a poignant tribute to his longtime friend and colleague Patrick Stewart, who died at age 86. Stewart passed away at his home in Los Angeles following a struggle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. McKellen’s statement, shared via social media, highlighted Stewart’s Yorkshire roots, his professional integrity, and the deep personal bond the two shared. The pair, who first met at the Royal Shakespeare Company approximately 50 years ago, were widely celebrated for their joint work in the X-Men film franchise.
Read the original coverage
- VarietyTrade
Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Close Friend Patrick Stewart: ‘He Wore His Heart on His Sleeve’
Read at Variety ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Ian McKellen speaks out on his ‘love’ for Patrick Stewart in heartbreaking tribute to longtime pal
Read at New York Post ↗ Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Patrick Stewart: “A Man to Rely on, Admire and in My Case, Love”
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- Rolling StoneMainstream
Ian McKellen Honors Close Friend Patrick Stewart: 'A Man to Rely On, to Admire and In My Case, Love'
Read at Rolling Stone ↗ - IndieWireTrade
Ian McKellen Honors His Friend Patrick Stewart: ‘The Most Respected and Beloved Actor of His Generation’
Read at IndieWire ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Patrick Stewart died at the age of 86.
- Ian McKellen released a tribute to Stewart on social media.
- McKellen and Stewart first met as young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company roughly 50 years ago.
- McKellen described Stewart as a man who "wore his heart on his sleeve" and noted his deep pride in being from Yorkshire.
- The two actors were close friends and starred together in the X-Men franchise.
Reported by only some outlets
- Variety and The Hollywood Reporter specify the cause of death as Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia.
- The Hollywood Reporter reports the death occurred at Stewart's home in Los Angeles and included a statement from spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak.
- Rolling Stone notes Stewart was knighted in 2010 and appointed an OBE in 2001.
- The New York Post and Rolling Stone mention Stewart told McKellen about the offer to join Star Trek during a meeting in London shortly after they first met.
Confirmed
- Patrick Stewart died at age 86.
- Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart were longtime friends who met at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- McKellen's tribute cited Stewart's Yorkshire upbringing and honesty.
Reported
- Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family, music, and prayer. (The Hollywood Reporter)
- Stewart was suffering from Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. (Variety)
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