Sir Patrick Stewart’s friends and colleagues from the world of Star Trek have taken to social media to share their tributes to the late Jean-Luc Picard actor, who died Thursday at the age of 86 from Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
William Shatner, the iconic actor who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the original series, posted the following message on Facebook.
“What a heartbreaking week it has been,” Shatner wrote, referring to the death of Chekov actor Walter Koenig on Monday. “Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.”
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the TV series and films featuring the original crew of the USS Enterprise, posted on Bluesky:
“Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before. He inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.”
Stewart’s TNG co-stars Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker) and Will Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) also posted tributes online. Frakes wrote in an Instagram story, “Rest in peace, my friend.” Wheaton posted a photo of himself with Stewart, writing: “Godspeed, Captain.”
Akiva Goldsman, co-showrunner and co-creator on Star Trek: Picard, posted on X: “Safe Journey Dear Friend.”
Goldsman elaborated in a statement provided to Variety: “Patrick was not only a true lion of the profession, he was the rarest of alchemists, one who could literally turn the written word into flesh and blood. Patrick was kind, strong, fiercely intelligent, collaborative, vulnerable and wise. His Captain Jean-Luc Picard permanently expanded the universe of Star Trek without measure. He will be deeply missed by this one fan and by so many more.”
Stewart’s Picard co-star Jeri Ryan posted on Threads: “Ouch. This hurts, (heart emoji) Rest well, Patrick. (Vulcan hand salute emoji).”
Picard showrunner Terry Matalas posted a photo of Stewart smiling, with the caption: “Oh Captain, my Captain. This is how I’ll always remember you…”
Star Trek: Voyager’s Robert Picardo wrote: “Too much tragedy. Rest in peace, captain.”
