‘Mirfield’s finest’: Tributes pour in for ‘lovely Yorkshireman’ Sir Patrick Stewart after his death
“He wore his heart on his sleeve”
Tributes have poured in for “Mirfield’s finest” Sir Patrick Stewart after his death this week.
Born in the West Riding of Yorkshire in 1940, the actor went on to become acclaimed for his roles both on the stage and the screen. He famously played Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek as well as Professor Xavier in the X-Men films.
He died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (October 29) at the age of 86, it was announced on social media. His death came after a “brief but poignant journey with Alzheimer’s”.
Among the many people to share stories and memories about the beloved actor was his friend and collaborator Sir Iain McKellen.
In a post on social media, he wrote: “Before everything else, Patrick was defined by being born and bred in Yorkshire, the proud county in the north of England which he loved to the end. 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. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.
“We first met as ambitious young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company half a century ago but we weren’t in the same productions. My first strong memory was a few years later, meeting him in the street in central London when he told me about an offer to take over a leading part in 'Star Trek'. “But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK. Do you really want to risk—getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?”.”
He continued: “Well, he took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did for not just his devoted Trekkies but film and theatre audiences, who marvelled at his using international celebrity to star in a string of cinema successes ('X-Men' of course) and in great classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London’s West End and on Broadway.
“America was his adopted home, where he met his adored Sunny who has cared for him through sickness and health, through thick and thin. But he never forsook his origins: and the proudest achievement of the most respected and beloved actor of his generation on either side of the Atlantic, was his appointment as Chancellor of Huddersfield University in Yorkshire.
“His farewell performance in 'Avengers: Doomsday' is yet to be seen.”
In another tribute, Kim Leadbitter, MP for Spen Valley, wrote on social media: “Very sad news about Mirfield’s finest Patrick Stewart❤️ Such an outstanding talent & someone who came across as a thoroughly decent & lovely Yorkshireman.
“I met him at Huddersfield Town and corresponded with him several times - he was incredibly kind and he will be greatly missed.”
Sir Patrick was a life-long fan of Huddersfield Town. The Yorkshire club posted a tribute following his death: “All at Huddersfield Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.
“A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on. 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.
“Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”
Sir Patrick served as the Chancellor for the University of Huddersfield for more than a decade. The university published a moving tribute to him on Friday (October 30).
The obituary read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. The University of Huddersfield honours and celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of Sir Patrick Stewart, one of the world's most acclaimed actors and a cherished member of our University community.
“Born in nearby Mirfield, Sir Patrick Stewart served as Chancellor of the University from 2004 to 2015 and continued his association as Emeritus Chancellor. More than a ceremonial figurehead, he became a passionate advocate for higher education, a dedicated ambassador for the University around the world, and a familiar presence on campus, inspiring generations of students with his warmth, wisdom and generosity.
“While his remarkable career took him from the Royal Shakespeare Company to iconic roles such as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Xavier, he never lost sight of his Yorkshire roots. He often described the University as his "home-town university" and played a significant role in the institution's growth and ambitions during a transformative period in its history.
“His commitment to widening access to higher education, his belief in the potential of young people, and his enduring support for the University leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire our community for years to come.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and the countless people around the world whose lives he touched.
“A remarkable actor, an inspirational Chancellor and a true friend of the University, Sir Patrick Stewart will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
“Thank you, Sir Patrick. Your story will forever be part of ours.”