Culture 3 min read By Mason Emerson
Gates McFadden honors Patrick Stewart, saying his Picard gave people hope
Star Trek co-star Gates McFadden has paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, who died on Oct. 28, recalling his love of the theater and describing his portrayal of Jean-Luc Picard as a source of hope for fans around the world.
Gates McFadden, who worked alongside Patrick Stewart on Star Trek, has paid tribute to the actor, saying his portrayal of Jean-Luc Picard gave people hope around the world. Stewart died on Oct. 28 in the arms of his wife, Sunny Ozell, a moment McFadden described as a fitting and peaceful end for a man she believed would have wanted exactly that.
In her tribute, McFadden wrote that beyond his marriage, Stewart loved the theater more than anything else. She said she could easily picture his final moments in a way that reflected that devotion, and she framed his death as one that matched the calm and dignity he brought to his work. Her remarks were published by Variety in a personal essay about the actor she knew from the set of Star Trek.
Stewart's Picard became one of the defining characters of modern science fiction, and McFadden's tribute centered on the sense of reassurance that role offered audiences. She credited his performance with giving viewers something steady and hopeful to hold on to, a quality that she suggested reached far beyond the United States and the Star Trek fan base.
Other coverage of Stewart's career has highlighted the breadth of his work. One report noted an achievement shared by only one other Star Trek actor, placing Stewart within a small group in the franchise's history. Another recalled the affectionate impressions that his Star Trek co-star Brent Spiner developed over the years they spent working together, a reminder of the close professional bonds that formed on the series.
Stewart's range also extended well beyond the bridge of the Enterprise. A recent report pointed to one of his last roles, an unusual part in a dark comedy series released in 2026, underscoring his long-standing comfort with comedy. A separate piece recalled his unexpected fondness for the classic MTV animated series Beavis and Butt-Head, a personal taste that stood in contrast to the authoritative figures for which he became best known.
Taken together, the tributes from McFadden and fellow cast members present Stewart as an actor whose warmth, theatrical discipline and playful side left a lasting mark on colleagues and viewers alike. McFadden's essay closes on the idea that his work gave people hope, a legacy her remembrance sets at the center of his career.
Source: variety.com
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