William Shatner and ‘Star Trek’ Family Mourn Patrick Stewart With Picard Tributes: ‘Godspeed, Captain’

Tributes from across the “Star Trek” franchise are pouring in for Sir Patrick Stewart following the news of his death at 86.

Fellow USS Enterprise captain William Shatner posted a statement on Stewart to his Facebook page, writing, “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.”

George Takei, who starred in “Star Trek: The Original Series” with Shatner, wrote on Bluesky “Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend. As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before. 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.”

Stewart’s “Next Generation” cast members also paid tribute to the actor, with Wil Wheaton (aka Wesley Crusher) posting a photograph of the two with the caption, “Godspeed, Captain.” Likewise, Cmdr. Will Riker actor Jonathan Frakes posted a photo of Stewart with the caption, “Rest in peace, my friend.”

Akiva Goldsman, co-showrunner and co-creator on “Star Trek: Picard,” said in a statement:

“Patrick was not only a true lion of the profession, he was the rarest of alchemists, one who could literally turn the written word into flesh and blood. Patrick was kind, strong, fiercely intelligent, collaborative, vulnerable and wise. His Captain Jean-Luc Picard permanently expanded the universe of Star Trek without measure. He will be deeply missed by this one fan and by so many more.”

Stewart originated the role of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” beginning in 1987. He then went on to play the character in four “Star Trek” films between 1994 and 2002 before returning to the role in the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Picard” in 2020 for three seasons.

It was announced on Thursday that Stewart died Oct. 28 following what was described as “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.”