Dame Harriet Walter: World is going to be very poor without Sir Patrick Stewart

Dame Harriet Walter has said the world is “going to be very poor” without Sir Patrick Stewart following his death from Alzheimer’s disease.

Sir Patrick – famed for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in latter versions of Star Trek – died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, it was announced on social media.

Dame Harriet was a longtime friend of Sir Patrick, with the pair having met at Stratford-upon-Avon in the early 1980’s.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, she said she “can’t really imagine a world without him”.

“It’s like a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest,” she said.

“I’ve never heard a bad word against him. And I think the world’s going to be very poor without him.”

William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original 1960s Star Trek TV series, posted on social media: “What a heartbreaking week it has been.

Sir Patrick Stewart was best-known for his role in Star Trek (David Parry/PA)

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“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.”

Sir Patrick Stewart’s X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman posted two photos of the two of them together on Instagram, saying: “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man.

“I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.”

There  were also tributes from the world of politics. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “From Shakespeare to Star Trek, he boldly went where few had gone before, and took millions of us with him.

“He never forgot his roots, nor did he shy away from using his voice to stand up for others, particularly those affected by domestic violence. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town football club said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of Sir Patrick’s death.

The actor, who was born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, was a lifelong supporter of the football club.

In a message posted on X, the Terriers said: “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 Stewart with Huddersfield Town mascot Terry the Terrier (Mike Egerton/PA)

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From the world of film, the production company Marvel Studios which has owned the rights to X-Men since 2019, described the actor as “a true gentleman”.

In a message posted on social media, it said: “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart.

“Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from ‘X-Men’ to ‘Logan’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’

“He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman.

“Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”