Ian McKellen is remembering his dear friend Patrick Stewart as “a man to love” after his death. The “X-Men” star died at his Los Angeles home in California on October 28, 2026, at the age of 86. As for the cause of his death, the veteran actor passed away due to a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body dementia.
Ian McKellen pays moving tribute to Patrick Stewart after his death at 86
Ian McKellen honored his close friend Patrick Stewart with a heartfelt tribute following his passing at 86. On Thursday, October 29, the English actor took to Instagram to post a loving homage to his longtime friend and co-star.
In his message, he traced their friendship’s roots back almost 50 years to when they were both young performers with the Royal Shakespeare Company. However, the beloved duo’s bond truly solidified when they first starred as Professor X and Magneto in “X-Men.”
McKellen’s caption read: “Before everything else, Patrick was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire, the proud county in the north of England which he loved to the end. You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt. Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.”
McKellen further described Patrick Stewart’s role as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield as his proudest accomplishment. He also thanked Stewart’s wife, Sunny, for her unwavering support during his illness.
The mourning friend ended his tribute on a touching note about their final appearance together. The “Ebenezer” actor wrote: “His farewell performance in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ is yet to be seen.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments with condolences, remembering the late Golden Globe winner’s extraordinary legacy. A follower wrote, “Thank for displaying a real friendship on & off the screen for the last 26 years. RIP legend.” Another commented, “Immediately thought of you.” Another heartfelt condolence read, “Thinking of both of you.”
