NewsLos Angeles TimesOctober 30, 2026Los Angeles County
Actor Ian McKellen Pays Tribute to Late Friend Patrick Stewart
Photo: Los Angeles Times
Actor Ian McKellen released a statement honoring his longtime friend and colleague Patrick Stewart, who died Wednesday at age 86 in Los Angeles after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The tribute highlighted Stewart's Yorkshire roots, their decades-long friendship forged on the Royal Shakespeare Company and "X-Men" film sets, and his extensive career across stage and screen.
Read the full story at Los Angeles TimesWhy It Matters
The death of Patrick Stewart marks the passing of a prominent stage and screen actor whose career spanned "Star Trek," the "X-Men" franchise, and classical theater productions on Broadway and the West End.
Key Facts
- Patrick Stewart died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 86.
- His cause of death followed a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
- Ian McKellen published a public statement paying tribute to Stewart, reflecting on their friendship that began in the 1970s with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- The actors formed a close bond while having adjacent trailers on the sets of the "X-Men" films.
- Ian McKellen officiated Patrick Stewart's 2013 wedding to Sunny Ozell in Lake Tahoe.
- Stewart served as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire.
- Stewart and Stewart's co-starred theatrical work included productions of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land" on Broadway and London's West End.
- Patrick Stewart is slated to appear posthumously in the forthcoming film "Avengers: Doomsday," scheduled for release on Dec. 18.
Who's Mentioned
PersonSunny Ozell“Longtime girlfriend and wife of Patrick Stewart.”OrganizationRoyal Shakespeare Company“Theater company where McKellen and Stewart first met as young actors.”PersonPatrick Stewart“Actor known for "Star Trek" and "X-Men" who passed away at age 86.”locationLake Tahoe“Location where Stewart and Ozell were married in 2013 in a ceremony officiated b”OrganizationHuddersfield University“Institution where Patrick Stewart served as Chancellor.”locationLos Angeles“Location where Patrick Stewart's home was and where he died.”locationYorkshire“County in the north of England where Patrick Stewart was born and raised.”PersonIan McKellen“Actor and close friend of Patrick Stewart who posted a public tribute.”