Saturday Night Live paid tribute to British actor Patrick Stewart on October 31 by airing a clip from his 1994 hosting episode days after his death at age 86.
The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) late-night sketch comedy series broadcast the archival footage during its Halloween episode, hosted by Inde Navarrette with musical guest Gracie Abrams. The tribute aired immediately after Abrams' second performance, in which she sang her song "Here You Come, There You Go" while dressed as Leonardo DiCaprio's Romeo from Baz Luhrmann's film Romeo + Juliet.
In the throwback clip from his 1994 hosting stint, a then-53-year-old Stewart enthusiastically introduced his musical guest to the studio audience by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, Salt-N-Pepa!" Stewart later embraced the moment while celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live in February 2025, sharing a video of himself in a Salt-N-Pepa T-shirt recreating the introduction with the caption, "Ladies and gentlemen, IYKYK."
Patrick Stewart Cause of Death and Family Statement
Stewart died following a brief, private battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. He leaves behind his wife, Sunny Ozell, and the two children he shared with ex-wife Sheila Falconer: son Daniel Stewart, 59, who also paid tribute with a photo after his father's death, and daughter Sophie, 54.
In an October 29 Instagram post, Stewart's family said he spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones. "He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all," the statement read. "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."
"He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role - in his art and life," his family added. "His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans' mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties."
Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman and X-Men Co-Star Tributes
Established on the British stage before starring as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, Stewart drew tributes from theatre and film colleagues led by Ian McKellen. McKellen recalled meeting Stewart half a century ago as ambitious young actors with the Royal Shakespeare Company, though not in the same productions, before running into him a few years later on a street in central London when Stewart shared an offer to take a leading part in Star Trek.
"But Patrick think of your stage career in the UK," McKellen remembered saying, asking whether he really wanted to risk "getting lost in Hollywood for years and years?" McKellen continued: "Well, he took the risk and thank goodness for us all that he did for not just his devoted Trekkies but film and theatre audiences, who marvelled at his using international celebrity to star in a string of cinema successes (X-Men of course) and in great classical plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Peter Shaffer, Pinter and Beckett at Stratford-upon-Avon, in London's West End and on Broadway."
On Instagram, X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman wrote: "We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days."
Dafne Keen, who starred with Stewart in the 2017 X-Men film Logan, remembered his "endless jokes, nurturing nature and colourful reading glasses," calling him "a kind, genuine, funny, unique, caring and charming man" and "a walking master of his craft, and of life." Noting that he wrapped "every ancient lesson he imparted in wonder, fun and excitement" and that his warmth and respect for everyone around him shaped how she views the world, Keen wrote: "So rest in peace, you giant, you legend amongst men. The beautiful work, humanity and kindness you leave behind will live on forever."
Rebecca Romijn said she was grateful to have known him and been in his orbit for the last 25 years "both as a fellow 'mutant' and as a fellow member of Starfleet." Calling him "positively delicious, hilarious, naughty, incredible sense of humor," she noted that his booming voice reaching the back of the room, as "every classically trained Shakespearean great needs to master," had always been an inspiration, adding: "I'll miss my friend dearly. Rest in peace, Patrick."
Star Trek Cast Tributes From William Shatner and Co-Stars
Stewart achieved global fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard. Original Star Trek actor William Shatner wrote: "What a heartbreaking week it has been. 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."
Original series co-star George Takei wrote that fans worldwide mourn "a true and irreplaceable legend" who took the starship Enterprise "to places it had never gone before, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain."
Franchise co-stars Jonathan Frakes ("Rest in peace my friend"), Wil Wheaton ("Godspeed, Captain") and Jeri Ryan ("Ouch. This one hurts. Rest well, Patrick") also paid tribute. Michelle Hurd, who played Raffi on Star Trek: Picard, thanked "Pstew" for being kind, generous, funny, vulnerable and inspiring, writing: "Getting cast as Raffi on Star Trek Picard has been a gift that keeps on giving, but the best part was meeting YOU, working with you, and becoming your friend." Expressing gratitude for their shared adventure, she added: "The world lost a great one today... Rest now, Captain, my captain."
Star Trek: Picard co-star Isa Briones remembered "PStew, lover of fresh produce and classic american western songs. a man who even at 80 could recite every work of shakespear[e] he's ever done. a man who once handed me his drink so he could do five pull ups on the branch of a tree." Praising his love and respect for his craft and fellow artists, she called him "one of the first people in this business to take a chance on me."
Seth MacFarlane, Kyle MacLachlan and Hollywood Tributes
Seth MacFarlane, who grew up a fan before working with Stewart for years on American Dad!, Family Guy and Ted, called him an icon "who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us" and "that rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great, and a great writer sound masterful." Recalling an email exchange on day one of a new film when the humble actor remarked that he "always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice there," MacFarlane replied, "Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed," adding that Stewart "will be deeply missed by the entire planet."
Kyle MacLachlan, who starred alongside Stewart in the 1984 film Dune, wrote: "My friend, we shared some memorable times... from the deserts of Arrakis to the mysterious jungles of Thailand and onto the New York stage. I already miss you. You will always be my Gurney Halleck and I, your young pup."
On Instagram, Elizabeth Banks called Stewart "a legend" whose talent was built on professionalism, dedication, enthusiasm, generosity and a "gentlemanly way of being," adding: "He was mischievous and game, always made me laugh and always made a day better. He leaves a treasure trove of work behind and I'm so grateful he came to play w me on Charlie's Angels. Rest peacefully Patrick. Sending love." On X, Peter Facinelli called it a privilege to work alongside and know "one of the greats" because of his talent and the man he was, while Kim Cattrall wrote: "Dearest Patrick. Such sad news and a huge loss for us all. RIP."
