The interpreter of Wolverine recalled the British actor, his partner in the X-Men saga and a close friend, who died at the age of 86 after a brief fight against Alzheimer's and dementia with Lewy bodies
Australian actor Hugh Jackman expressed his deep sorrow over the death of Patrick Stewart, with whom he shared years of work and a lasting friendship. Stewart passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 86 in his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by the care of his wife Sunny, after a brief and poignant battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia.
In a message posted on Instagram, Jackman wrote: “Today we have lost one of the greats of theater and film.” He added: “And, in my opinion, a friend and an extraordinary person. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, always.” The post included photos that reflected the bond between them.
The relationship between the two actors was solidified on the set of the X-Men movies. Jackman portrayed Wolverine and Stewart played Professor Charles Xavier in several titles of the franchise, including X-Men from 2000, X-Men: The Last Stand from 2006, X-Men Origins: Wolverine from 2009, The Wolverine from 2013, and Logan from 2017. That collaboration left an indelible mark on superhero cinema.
Stewart also reprised his role as Xavier in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, from 2022, and was set to return to the character in Avengers: Doomsday, which premieres in December, alongside his friend Ian McKellen in the role of Magneto. The news of his death generated immediate reactions in the industry.
Tributes from Marvel and Star Trek
Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, remembered the actor as “brilliant, charming, warm, generous, with a serene strength and seriousness.” For his part, William Shatner, who shared the Star Trek universe as captain of the USS Enterprise, highlighted that Stewart “brought intelligence, elegance, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did.”
Stewart's career spanned more than six decades. Before becoming a central figure in Hollywood, he excelled in Shakespearean theater. His leap to massive fame came with the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a character that marked generations of viewers and defined an era of television science fiction.
The official statement released on the actor's Instagram account emphasized that his voice and talent will be associated with unforgettable performances across all genres. The text noted that he explored the human condition in its poetic complexity and brought hope both to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and to the final frontier aboard the Enterprise.
Jackman was not the only one to bid farewell, but his message carried special relevance due to the personal and professional closeness they maintained over the years. The farewell from the Wolverine actor encapsulates the sentiment of many who considered him not only a great actor but also a human reference.
A legacy that transcends genres
The news was announced through an official statement confirming the death that occurred the day before. Stewart had achieved a rare balance between theatrical prestige and commercial success in global franchises. His involvement in X-Men and Star Trek solidified him as one of the most respected figures in contemporary entertainment.
In Jackman's message, the weight of a loss that goes beyond work is felt. The Australian emphasized that he learned a lot from Stewart and that he will always miss him. This combination of professional admiration and personal affection permeates the reactions that multiplied on social media and in studios.
The film and television industry loses an actor whose presence conveyed authority, warmth, and depth. From British stages to Marvel blockbusters, Stewart left a mark that his colleagues and the public will continue to remember. Hugh Jackman's tribute adds to a long list of acknowledgments that confirm the magnitude of his career.
