“Saturday Night Live” paid tribute to Patrick Stewart on air three days after the British actor died at 86.
The late-night sketch series, 50, aired a throwback clip from Stewart’s 1994 hosting gig during its broadcast last Saturday, according to multiple reports. The footage showed the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star enthusiastically introducing musical guests Salt-N-Pepa.
A resurfaced promo photo from that episode then appeared on screen. Stewart had hosted the show on April 9, 1994, during the height of his fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Stewart died at his Los Angeles home last Wednesday after a short battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his rep announced. Mayo Clinic defines Lewy body dementia as “the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease,” which “causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time.”
The “Logan” star was being cared for by his wife, Sunny Ozell, 47, when he died.
“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,” his rep said.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Marvel Studios also mourned Stewart ahead of the release of his final film, “Doomsday,” this upcoming December.
“Marvel Studios is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart, the legendary English actor who brought Professor Charles Xavier to life,” the studio said in a statement, referring to his role as the wheelchair-bound mutant leader in “X-Men” and the broader superhero franchise.
“For more than 25 years, he brought a gravitas and profundity to the role, earning fans across the globe and helping to transform Super Hero storytelling forever.”
The studio highlighted the many movies Stewart starred in as Professor X since the first “X-Men” was released in 2000.
Hugh Jackman and Famke Janssen, who portrayed Wolverine and Jean Grey, respectively, in the “X-Men” franchise, were also among the many who paid tribute. William Shatner, Stewart’s predecessor as a “Star Trek” captain, and Ian McKellen, his close friend and “X-Men” co-star, additionally honored the late actor.
In a final interview with TV Insider in July, Stewart declared that he would “never” retire.
“As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer available roles as we get older,” he said. “I still continue to receive interesting offers and I love being challenged by new work.”
“I can’t imagine ever officially ‘retiring,'” Stewart continued. “I’ll always and forever be an actor.”
Stewart’s son, Daniel, paid tribute with a throwback photo after his father’s death, reports said.
