Ian McKellen pays tribute to Patrick Stewart after his death at 86

Ian McKellen paid tribute to his close friend and collaborator Patrick Stewart following Stewart's death at age 86, as reported by Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline.

Stewart died after a brief battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, according to a spokesperson cited by Hollywood Reporter. He was surrounded by family and friends at his home in Los Angeles.

McKellen recalled their first meeting as young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Stewart's decision to take a leading role in Star Trek, which McKellen initially questioned due to potential risks to Stewart's stage career in the UK.

He described Stewart as a proud Yorkshireman defined by honesty and emotional openness, saying Stewart 'wore his heart on his sleeve' and was a man to rely on, admire, and love.

McKellen also highlighted Stewart's impact on film and theater audiences worldwide, noting his success in the X-Men franchise and classical plays by Shakespeare and other playwrights on major stages.

Stewart's legacy includes his international celebrity and devotion to his craft, with McKellen expressing gratitude that Stewart took the risk to work in Hollywood, enriching fans and the arts community alike.