A Heartfelt Tribute: Sir Ian McKellen Honors Patrick Stewart at Charity Gala
A Touching Tribute at the Gala
During a charity gala named Raise the Roof! at London’s Victoria Palace Theatre, Sir Ian McKellen paid a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend and fellow actor, the late Patrick Stewart. This event was organized to benefit the Centenary Appeal for Denville Hall, a retirement home for entertainment professionals, where Stewart served as an ambassador.
Patrick Stewart, renowned for his memorable portrayals of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men series, passed away at the age of 86 on October 28 at his Los Angeles residence. His representatives later disclosed that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
A Musical Tribute to a Cherished Friend
A Musical Farewell to a Dear Friend
At the gala, McKellen donned a dark suit complemented by a vibrant yellow scarf. He engaged the audience without a microphone, inviting them to join him in singing the classic 1932 music-hall song, Underneath the Arches. This song held special meaning for both actors, as it was a recurring element in their performances of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, both in London and on Broadway.
Before leading the audience in song, McKellen shared a touching memory, saying, “When we portrayed the tramps in Waiting for Godot, Pat Stewart and I sang that song – here in London and on Broadway – at the end of the show. We’re going to sing it now for you, and I hope you enjoy it. As we sing, let’s remember Pat Stewart, a remarkable actor.”
Reflecting on Their Lasting Friendship
Reflecting on a Decades-Long Bond
McKellen’s tribute came after an emotional post on social media, where he reminisced about Stewart’s humble beginnings in Yorkshire, his genuine nature, and their extensive shared history both on and off the stage. He recounted a significant moment when Stewart sought his counsel about joining the Star Trek cast, with McKellen expressing initial concerns that this role might divert Stewart from his successful British theater career.
In addition to their personal friendship, the two actors were well-known for their on-screen rivalry as Magneto and Professor X in the X-Men films. They also starred together in acclaimed productions such as No Man’s Land and Waiting for Godot. It has been confirmed that Stewart will reprise his role as Professor Charles Xavier in the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday, set to be released in December.