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Dame Judi Dench expressed her deep sadness and shock upon learning of Sir Patrick’s passing. She remarked on his unwavering dedication to his craft, stating, “He’s never been one of those actors who never felt like it that night, he was always very, very committed… He’ll be much missed and he was much admired.” George Takei, famed for his role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, acknowledged Sir Patrick’s influence, noting that he “inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity.”
Sir Patrick gained widespread recognition for his role as Professor Charles Xavier—better known as Professor X—in the X-Men series. Co-star Hugh Jackman described him as a “tremendous friend and man,” adding, “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today.” Another close friend, Sir Ian McKellen, who also officiated Sir Patrick’s wedding in 2013, emphasized his proud Yorkshire roots. Sir Ian commented, “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.”
Reflecting on their early days as young actors in the Royal Shakespeare Company, Sir Ian recalled advising caution regarding Sir Patrick’s decision to accept the Star Trek role. “He took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did,” he said, mentioning their collaboration in the 2009 production of Waiting for Godot. Although the United States became Sir Patrick’s “adopted home,” Sir Ian affirmed that he “never forsook his origins,” highlighting his proudest accomplishment as his appointment as chancellor of Huddersfield University. Sir Ian also revealed that Sir Patrick’s final film appearance will be in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday movie, portraying Professor X once more. Marvel Studios praised him as “a singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman,” while the Academy described his voice as “unmistakable,” capturing the warmth and tenderness he brought to his characters.
Sir Patrick passed away on a Wednesday with his wife Sunny Ozell by his side, according to a statement from his family, which reflected on “the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.” The actor leaves behind his wife and two adult children from his first marriage, Daniel and Sophie Stewart. Dame Harriet Walter, who knew him for over 40 years, likened his death to “a huge giant tree [falling] in the forest.” She said, “He had fire in his eyes and you were absolutely in the room with him,” adding, “I’ve never heard a bad word against him. And I think the world’s going to be very poor without him.” London’s West End theatres will honour his legacy by dimming their lights for two minutes on November 3.
Throughout his career, Sir Patrick also appeared in films such as Safe House, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and the original Dune. His television appearances included guest roles on shows like Frasier, Futurama, and The Simpsons. Seth MacFarlane, creator of Family Guy, American Dad!, and Ted, expressed admiration for Sir Patrick, with whom he worked closely. MacFarlane called him a “rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great and a great writer sound masterful.” Comedian Ricky Gervais, recalling Sir Patrick’s guest role on his BBC series Extras, described him simply as a “legend” and fondly recounted how Sir Patrick humoured his mishaps on set during bloopers.
Sir Patrick was also a lifelong supporter of Huddersfield Town Football Club, which hailed him as “a titan of his craft” and noted, “Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own.” In his later years, he became a passionate advocate against domestic violence, serving as an ambassador for the charity Refuge. This commitment stemmed from his own experiences witnessing domestic abuse in his family during childhood. Refuge’s board chair Hetti Barkworth-Nanton praised his dedication, stating it was a privilege to watch his “endless devotion” and acknowledging his role in breaking down barriers surrounding the issue. Michelle Dyson, CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, remembered him as “an extraordinarily talented and much-loved actor,” while emphasizing that his passing is “a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact dementia has on people and families across the globe.” Andy Burnham, speaking on behalf of the prime minister, honored Sir Patrick as “one of the very best” who “never forgot his working-class Yorkshire roots,” underscoring his enduring legacy both as an artist and a compassionate campaigner
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