William Shatner pays glowing tribute to Sir Patrick Stewart
William Shatner has expressed his "affection and admiration" for Sir Patrick Stewart.
William Shatner has paid a heartfelt tribute to Sir Patrick Stewart.
The acclaimed actor - who played Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek franchise - has passed away, aged 86, and Shatner has taken to social media to express his "affection and admiration" for Stewart.
The 95-year-old actor - who played Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise - wrote on X: "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."
Stewart played Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, too, and Marvel Studios has paid tribute to the late actor.
Marvel said in a statement: "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. (sic)"
Stewart's death was announced via a post on social media.
His family confirmed that he passed away at his home in Los Angeles, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body dementia.
The statement read: "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."
