A Look Back at the Decades-Long Friendship Between Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart

Sir Patrick Stewart died at age 86 on Oct. 28, prompting heartfelt tributes from fans and collaborators, including his longtime friend Sir Ian McKellen. According to published entertainment reports, the two renowned actors shared a bond that stretched back decades, spanning their early days in British theater to major Hollywood blockbusters.

From Royal Shakespeare Company to X-Men

McKellen and Stewart first crossed paths in the 1970s as young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company in England. While initially pursuing separate projects, their friendship deepened significantly decades later when they were cast as Magneto (McKellen) and Professor X (Stewart) in the 2000 superhero film X-Men.

In interviews, Stewart recounted how adjoining trailers on the X-Men set allowed them to spend hours talking between takes, eventually becoming close like brothers. Their professional collaboration continued onstage, notably in a 2009 West End production of Waiting for Godot and on Broadway in 2013.

Shared Milestones and Tributes

Beyond acting, McKellen officiated Stewart’s wedding to Sunny Ozell in 2013. Following news of Stewart’s passing, McKellen shared a moving tribute describing his late friend as a man to rely on, admire, and love.

Fans can see the legendary costars together again in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday , scheduled for release in theaters on Dec. 18.