Ian McKellen recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend Patrick Stewart at a charity event in London. The actor took the stage and invited the audience to sing a song that had a special meaning for both of them.
McKellen, along with others, sang “Underneath the Arches,” a 1932 music-hall song he had once performed with Stewart. They had sung the song at the end of their stage productions of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot in London and on Broadway.
McKellen’s tribute came just days after he shared a message about their friendship on Instagram. The two actors worked together for years and also shared a close bond away from the stage and screen.
The tribute took place at the Raise the Roof! gala at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre. The event raised support for Denville Hall, a home for retired entertainment professionals. The organization is marking its 100th anniversary with a £26 million fundraising appeal. Stewart had served as one of its ambassadors.
Patrick Stewart’s legacy extends far beyond his iconic role as Professor X
Sir Patrick Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on October 28 at the age of 86. His spokesperson confirmed the news the following day. He was best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men movies.
Moreover, he spent nearly two decades at the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing several classic stage works. He also garnered widespread praise on Broadway, starring in iconic stage productions like Macbeth and Hamlet.
Patrick was also appointed Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contribution to drama and the arts. He also served as the Chancellor at the University of Huddersfield, making a meaningful contribution to higher education.
Stewart campaigned extensively for human rights and efforts to stop violence against women. He worked with groups such as Amnesty International and Refuge. His support came from his own childhood experiences, when he witnessed his father abuse his mother.
