James McAvoy has paid tribute to his X-Men co-star Sir Patrick Stewart following the veteran actor's death at the age of 86. The Glasgow-born actor described Stewart as "always lovely to me" as he shared a series of photos on Instagram.
McAvoy, 47, starred alongside Stewart when the pair played younger and older versions of Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014. He wrote: "Wherever you're going I know you'll go boldly… I was lucky enough to work with Sir Patrick a number of times and he was always lovely to me."
Stewart's final years and death
Sir Patrick, best known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday following a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia". A statement shared on his Instagram on Thursday night said he had been "held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us".
The statement added: "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."
Wider tributes from colleagues
Outlander actor Sam Heughan also shared a photo in memoriam of Sir Patrick, who is survived by his wife, Sunny. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's official spokesman said Sir Patrick "brought joy to millions", adding: "Sir Patrick was one of the very best. He never forgot his working-class Yorkshire roots. He always stood up for what he believed in, including through his campaigning to help those affected by domestic violence."
Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane praised Sir Patrick's acting abilities and said he was "as humble as they come". He wrote on Instagram: "I remember exchanging emails with him a number of years ago when he was beginning day one of a new film. He commented to me that he always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice there. My stunned reaction was the same as anyone's would be. I said, 'Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed.' We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend. He will be deeply missed."
Singer Patti Smith posted a photo of herself giving Sir Patrick a kiss on the cheek and referenced his Star Trek character's phrase "make it so".
A celebrated career
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire in 1940, Sir Patrick's more than 60-year career saw him star in numerous films, television shows and theatre productions, including 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). He earned a Grammy for best spoken word album for children for Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf in 1996.
He also earned four Emmy nominations for various work and two supporting actor Olivier Awards for Shakespeare plays, the first for Antony And Cleopatra in 1979 and the second for Hamlet in 2009.
