Hercule Poirot star Sir David Suchet and former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Sir Gregory Doran led tributes to Sir Patrick Stewart on Friday.
Sir Patrick, famed for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday at the age of 86, it was announced on social media.
Friends and colleagues pay tribute
Sir David and Sir Gregory both worked with Sir Patrick at the RSC and praised him for his talents and “fun” nature.
Sir David told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s a great loss but he leaves the most fantastic legacy in all his work in radio, film, television and theatre.
“He covered all bases and has done great performances in each of the media. He will be so much missed.”
He added: “I was on stage yesterday all afternoon and evening and I heard of his death in the interval and it came as a huge shock.”
RSC collaborations remembered
Sir Gregory worked with Sir Patrick on a production of Antony And Cleopatra in 2006 and Hamlet in 2013 at the RSC.
He said: “I think it’s something about the very firm classical foundations that he had that gave him the ability to, whether it was X-Men or Shakespeare on stage, that just gave him that grounding.
“He was a magnificent Antony in Antony And Cleopatra, a part many people don’t want to play because they think it’s Cleopatra’s play. He brought an intense forensic analysis to the role.”
Sir Gregory added: “He was really democratic, no airs and graces, real fun. It was always fun in rehearsals with Patrick.”
Hollywood stars share memories
Minnie Driver, who worked with Sir Patrick in the 2017 romantic comedy The Wilde Wedding, posted a photo of them together.
She wrote: “Is this year some kind of portal to a much, much better place that all the greatest people know about and so have gently made their exits?
“Dearest Patrick. Who always had the best advice, the funniest story, the patience to listen. I’m just bereft. All love to your family, and you, in my heart forever.”
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 1 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 by the entire planet.”
Actress Rebecca Romijn, who starred as Mystique in the X-Men films alongside Sir Patrick as Charles Xavier, posted a video paying tribute to him.
She said: “I feel so grateful to have known him for the last 25 years.
“He was positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, incredible sense of humour. I want to send my condolences to his family, and I’ll miss my friend dearly.”
Singer Patti Smith posted a photo of herself giving Sir Patrick a kiss on the cheek and referenced his Star Trek character Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s phrase “make it so”.
She wrote: “This is saying farewell to our dear Captain. He made it so.”
A legacy across stage and screen
Born in Yorkshire, Sir Patrick became a member of the RSC in 1966 and found international fame in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
He was also known for appearing in the X-Men franchise and films including Excalibur (1981), Dune (1984) and Jeffrey (1995). He was knighted in 2010 for services to drama.
