Ian McKellen has shared a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and "X-Men" series co-star, Patrick Stewart, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86. The two English actors first crossed paths half a century ago as ambitious young performers with the Royal Shakespeare Company, though they were not initially in the same productions. Their bond deepened over decades, becoming inseparable to global audiences when they starred opposite one another as the frenemies Magneto and Professor X in Marvel's "X-Men" film series.
In a statement posted to social media, McKellen emphasized Stewart's deep connection to his roots in Yorkshire, describing him as a man defined by the proud northern English county he loved until the end. McKellen noted that Stewart's accent and stern honesty reflected a character who avoided half-truths and never shied away from big issues. He described Stewart as someone who wore his heart on his sleeve, making him a figure to rely on, admire, and love.
McKellen recalled a pivotal moment in their friendship when they met on a London street in the late 1980s. At the time, Stewart informed McKellen of an offer to take over a leading role in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." McKellen had cautioned his friend about risking his stage career in the UK by moving to Hollywood, but Stewart took the chance. This decision solidified his presence in Hollywood and made him a household name for general audiences, while he continued to deliver acclaimed performances in classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter, and Beckett across Stratford-upon-Avon, London's West End, and Broadway.
The tribute also highlighted Stewart's personal life, noting that America became his adopted home where he met his partner, Sunny, who cared for him through sickness and health. Despite his international success, McKellen stated that Stewart never forsook his origins, citing his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire as the proudest achievement of the most respected actor of his generation on either side of the Atlantic.
McKellen and Stewart are set to appear together onscreen one final time in Marvel's "Avengers: Doomsday," which is scheduled for release in theaters this December. In the upcoming film, the two will reprise their iconic roles as Magneto and Professor X.
Sources: IndieWire.