William Shatner and Star Trek co-stars pay tribute to Patrick Stewart: 'Godspeed, captain'

William Shatner and members of the Star Trek cast have paid tribute to Patrick Stewart following the actor’s death at the age of 86, remembering the man behind Captain Jean-Luc Picard as a friend, colleague and extraordinary performer.

Shatner, who famously portrayed Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, shared a heartfelt message following Stewart’s death on October 28.

“What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor,” Shatner wrote.

“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.”

Shatner concluded his tribute by expressing his condolences to Stewart’s wife, Sunny Ozell, and his family, adding that the actor would be deeply missed.

Stewart became internationally recognised for playing Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, taking over the captain’s chair after Shatner’s iconic portrayal of Kirk in the original series.

The two actors eventually shared the screen in Star Trek: Generations in 1994, bringing together the original and next-generation crews in a story that marked a passing of the torch between the franchise’s leading captains.

Other members of the Star Trek family also paid tribute to Stewart.

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original series, described Stewart as a “true and irreplaceable legend” whose portrayal of Picard inspired a new generation of fans.

“As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before,” Takei wrote. “He inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity.”

Stewart’s The Next Generation co-stars also shared messages of remembrance. Wil Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher, posted a photograph with Stewart alongside the words “Godspeed, Captain”.

Jonathan Frakes, who portrayed William Riker, shared a photograph of Stewart and wrote, “Rest in peace, my friend.”

Akiva Goldsman, co-creator and co-showrunner of Star Trek: Picard, described Stewart as a remarkable performer whose portrayal of Picard had permanently expanded the Star Trek universe.

“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,” Goldsman said.

He added that Stewart was kind, strong, fiercely intelligent, collaborative, vulnerable and wise.

Stewart died following what his family described as a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia”. His family said he had been surrounded by loved ones, music, prayer, tears and laughter during his final days.

Beyond Star Trek, Stewart was also widely known for playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, with a career spanning more than six decades across television, film and theatre.

His death has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry, with fellow actors and collaborators remembering both his extraordinary talent and the humanity he brought to his most celebrated roles.