Ian McKellen Pays Tribute To Patrick Stewart: “He Wore His Heart On His Sleeve”

Ian McKellen, who starred alongside Patrick Stewart in various projects such as the "X-Men" films and "Waiting for Godot," shared his memories of his late friend on Instagram. McKellen praised Stewart's Yorkshire roots, noting that he could hear it in the actor's accent and honesty. He described Stewart as a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, reliable, admirable, and loveable.

McKellen and Stewart's most prominent collaboration was in the "X-Men" film series, where they played Magneto and Professor Charles Xavier, respectively. They also appeared together in other films, including "X2," "X-Men: The Last Stand," "The Wolverine," and "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Their last joint appearance was in "Avengers: Doomsday," which McKellen referred to as Stewart's farewell performance.

McKellen recalled their first meeting in London, where Stewart encouraged him to take on a leading role in "Star Trek." After meeting, Stewart moved to America, where he found success in both cinema and theatre. He starred in numerous productions, including "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land," alongside McKellen. Their collaborations extended beyond "X-Men," making them a celebrated duo in modern theater and cinema.

McKellen concluded by noting that America was Stewart's adopted home, where he met his beloved wife Sunny. However, the actor passed away at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday at 86, following a brief and poignant battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.