Bristol theatre school pays tribute to Sir Patrick Stewart
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School says he remained forever proud of his time there
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School has paid tribute to Sir Patrick Stewart, who trained at the school before becoming one of the best-known actors on stage and screen.
The actor, famous for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, has died at the age of 86.
It was announced on social media that he died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
According to the Press Association, he died from Alzheimer's disease.
The school says he was a member of the class of 1959.
Tribute from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Stuart Harvey, principal of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, said: "The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School community mourns the passing of our distinguished alumnus and cherished supporter, Sir Patrick Stewart.
"Before becoming an international icon on stage and screen, Patrick honed his craft right here at the School as a member of the class of 1959. His exceptional career, spanning decades with the Royal Shakespeare Company, landmark roles in Star Trek and X-Men, and countless acclaimed stage performances, stood as a testament to the power of rigorous classical training.
"In recent years, we were deeply privileged to receive Sir Patrick's support. He remained forever proud of his BOVTS heritage.
"As Principal, and on behalf of our entire community of staff, students, and alumni, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and legions of admirers worldwide. His legacy as a master of his craft and a true champion of our School will endure always.
"Rest in peace, Sir Patrick."
Sir Gregory Doran remembers a 'true Shakespearian'
Sir Gregory Doran, a fellow Bristol Old Vic Theatre School alumnus and school ambassador, also paid tribute to Sir Patrick.
He said: "Patrick Stewart created the best performance of Mark Antony in Antony and Cleopatra I have ever seen. Patrick understood the role of the triple pillar of the world, reduced to the 'Strumpet's fool', the man no longer able to live up to his own PR, who feels himself dissolving like evaporating clouds. Patrick restored the magnificence of the role in a tragedy so often regarded as 'her play'.
"Having played Enobarbus twice for the RSC, Patrick Stewart, a veteran RSC performer, agreed to play Antony and returned to the RSC in 2006.
"It was like a homecoming for Patrick. He played Prospero in the same season for Rupert Goold, and then a magnificent double of Claudius and the Ghost in Hamlet with David Tennant. His genius was to play Claudius from his point of view, not the murderous uncle, but a man determined to restore order to Denmark after the instability of his belligerent brother's reign.
"Patrick was a true Shakespearian, and at heart (however much he flew round the galaxies in the Star Ship Enterprise) a theatre actor in his bones.
"I shall miss him greatly."
Other tributes
Sir Ian McKellen, a long-time friend of Sir Patrick, led the tributes and called him the most respected and beloved actor of his generation.
In a statement posted to social media, Sir Ian said: 'You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt.
'Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.'
Dame Harriet Walter, who met Sir Patrick at Stratford-upon-Avon in the early 1980s, spoke to BBC Newsnight.
She said: "It's like a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest.
"I've never heard a bad word against him. And I think the world's going to be very poor without him."
William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original 1960s Star Trek series, posted on social media: '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. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.'
X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman posted two photos of them together on Instagram.
He wrote: 'We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man.
'I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.'
Huddersfield Town, which Sir Patrick supported throughout his life, said it was deeply saddened by his death.
Marvel Studios described him as a true gentleman.
Sir Patrick's final film, Avengers: Doomsday, is due to be released in December.