Tributes have been paid to Sir Patrick Stewart – the legendary actor who rose from a West Yorkshire mill town to become one of the world’s best known performers.
The Mirfield-born actor, best known for his roles in Star Trek and the X-Men films, died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday after suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
His death has prompted an outpouring of love from the community he proudly called home, along with is beloved Huddersfield Town – the club he followed from childhood.
Among those paying tribute was Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater, who described Stewart as “Mirfield’s finest”.
Posting on X, the Labour MP described him as “an outstanding talent and someone who came across as a thoroughly decent and lovely”.
Leadbeater said she had met the actor at Huddersfield Town and corresponded with him several times, adding: “He was incredibly kind and he will be greatly missed.”
A lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter, Stewart attended matches when his schedule allowed and celebrated the Terriers’ promotion to the Premier League at Wembley in 2017.
Paying tribute on X, the club said: “All at Huddersfield Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.
“A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on.
“Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own.
“Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”