“As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer roles available as you get older. But I can’t imagine officially retiring. I will always and forever be an actor”, Patrick Stewart said just four months ago. Today we woke up to the terribly sad news of his death, and the film world is inconsolable, with the loss not only of a great actor, but of a fascinating person.
Farewell, professor
His passing has come just two months before what will now surely be his final film, Avengers: Doomsday, in which he will play Charles Xavier for the ninth time, after landing the role in 2000 for the first X-Men. This was his final farewell to the role, and it comes three years after saying goodbye to Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek. At least he was able to bring closure to the great characters of his career.
Hugh Jackman, who has played Wolverine alongside him on numerous occasions, has already said that “We’ve lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And he was a tremendous friend and human being. I’ve learned so much from him. I’ll miss you, Patrick Stewart, every day of my life”. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Meanwhile, Marvel Studios paid tribute to him, saying “He embodied the poise, class, and wisdom of the beloved telepathic mutant and mentor of the X-Men. For more than 25 years, he brought depth to the character”. He will be missed so, so very much…
