I was vacillating about whether to write this post. 2026 was awful for my generation. We lost too many great icons from my childhood; why would I single out Sir Patrick Stewart? Because he’s the most iconic of them all.

Patrick Stewart is a huge part of my childhood and my adult life. He was in everything. Of course, Captain Jean-Luc Picard is the first thing I probably saw him in, but Gurney Halleck from Dune (1984) is probably the earliest film.

Star Trek Generations, one of my favorite films from the franchise, was also the first Star Trek movie I saw in theaters. While Captain Kirk was my favorite, Picard defined Star Trek movies for me in the 90s. While the dialog was obviously written by someone else, Sir Patrick Stewart still delivered the lines with panache and wisdom.

Thank you, Professor

Then, in the year 2000, the best casting in all of cinema happened. He was cast as Professor Xavier of the X-Men. I grew up reading X-Men comics, and the only person who could be Professor Charles Xavier was Patrick Stewart. While James McAvoy provides a solid performance as the young Charles Xavier, Patrick Stewart paved the way.

It’s only fitting that his final theatrical role will be Professor X in the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday. Much like when Rogue One came out after Carrie Fisher died, the film will hit differently in the shadow of his passing. His death increases the pressure for the film to succeed, and I really hope it does.

Thank You, For Everything

I remember him from other roles, beyond these two. I’ve already mentioned Gurney Halleck from Dune; he was also King Richard in Men in Tights. He will also be remembered for his iconic voice. From Avery Bullock in American Dad to Sir Ritchfield in The Sheep Detectives and many other voice-over roles in his nearly 160 acting credits.

It’s hard to say goodbye to such an iconic actor. There will never be another Sir Patrick Stewart.

RIP Captain. Number 2 has the Bridge.