Sir Ian recalled first meeting Sir Patrick as young actors in the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and how he had expressed caution over him taking on the Star Trek role.
“He took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did,” said Sir Ian, who appeared with Sir Patrick in a 2009 theatre production of Waiting for Godot.
He added that while the US had become Sir Patrick’s “adopted home”, he “never forsook his origins” growing up in Yorkshire, and said “the proudest achievement of the most respected and beloved actor of his generation on either side of the Atlantic, was his appointment as chancellor of Huddersfield University”.
Sir Ian noted that Sir Patrick’s final film appearance will be as Professor X in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. Marvel Studios described him as “a singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman”.
Sir Patrick died on Wednesday “in the loving care of his wife”, a statement from his family said. “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace,” it added.
The veteran actor is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, as well as by his two adult children from his first marriage, Daniel and Sophie Stewart.
