Ian McKellen has honored his longtime friend Patrick Stewart in an Instagram tribute following Stewart’s death Thursday at 86 after suffering from Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. His remembrance traced Stewart’s journey from Yorkshire to international recognition and reflected on the candor and affection that shaped their relationship.
McKellen described Stewart’s upbringing in northern England as central to his identity, evident in both his voice and his willingness to speak plainly about his thoughts and feelings. “He wore his heart on his sleeve,” McKellen wrote, explaining that Stewart’s openness made him someone he could trust, admire and love.
The actors first encountered each other as young members of the Royal Shakespeare Company about half a century ago, although they appeared in different productions. McKellen recalled a later meeting on a central London street, when Stewart told him about an offer for a leading role in “Star Trek.” Concerned about the potential interruption to Stewart’s British stage career, McKellen questioned whether he wanted to spend years in Hollywood. In his tribute, he expressed gratitude that Stewart had taken the opportunity.
McKellen credited Stewart with using his international fame to pursue both successful films, including “X-Men,” and major theatrical roles. He recalled performances in works by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett, with appearances in Stratford-upon-Avon, London’s West End and on Broadway. Although Stewart made America his adopted home, McKellen said his Yorkshire ties endured, describing his appointment as chancellor of Huddersfield University as his proudest achievement.
Their friendship developed during the making of the 2000 film “X-Men,” in which Stewart played Professor X and McKellen portrayed Magneto. Speaking to Wired in 2020, Stewart recalled that their neighboring trailers gave them opportunities to spend time together between scenes. Conversations over tea, and occasionally a stronger afternoon drink, revealed how much they shared.
That bond extended well beyond their professional lives. McKellen officiated at Stewart’s 2013 wedding to Sunny Ozell, whom he praised in his tribute for caring for Stewart through illness and health. Stewart joked in the Wired interview that both he and his wife were in love with McKellen. The actors also attracted headlines for their public affection, including kisses on the lips at red carpet appearances.
Their shared screen credits included “X2,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” a cameo in “The Wolverine” and a return to their roles in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” They also performed together on Broadway in 2013 in Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” and Pinter’s “No Man’s Land,” returning to the latter play in London’s West End in 2016.
Both actors appear in “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in December. McKellen closed his tribute by noting that audiences had yet to see Stewart’s farewell performance in the film.
