Sir Ian McKellen pays tribute to his 'beloved' friend Sir Patrick Stewart, who has died aged 86
Sir Patrick Stewart, who died on Wednesday aged 86. He is to appear posthumously as Professor Xavier in Marvel's forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday.Patrick Stewart as Professor X, the role he reprised for *Avengers: Doomsday*, due for release on 18 December, in which he reunites with lifelong friend Ian McKellen.Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard, the role he won after Gene Roddenberry — who had initially refused to consider him — was ultimately forced to cast him.Sir Patrick Stewart with his wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, who cared for him at their Los Angeles home during his illness and was at his side when he died on Wednesday.
His close friend and fellow knight Sir Ian McKellen led an outpouring of tributes, calling him a 'beloved' friend. Stewart's final public video, released shortly before his death, spoke warmly about love, with the actor saying he hoped it had 'brought pleasure and curiosity'.
McKellen and Stewart were close friends for decades, their bond forged across stage and screen.
Stewart's final message centred on love, a fitting farewell from an actor celebrated for his warmth.
