They worked together in Tom Stoppard's Every Good Boy Deserves Favour in 1977, but their relationship stayed professional. Both were ambitious and busy, often in different productions even within the same company.

One of McKellen's earliest memories of them together was years later, on a London street, when Stewart said he'd been offered the lead in an American sci-fi television series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. McKellen worried that a long-term television role might hurt Stewart's theatre career. Stewart took the role anyway, starting in 1987, and Captain Picard made him an international star. McKellen later admitted, with affection, that his advice was wrong. Stewart never gave up on Shakespeare or theatre. He just gained a global audience and kept returning to the classical work he loved.

Their friendship truly deepened while making Bryan Singer's X-Men (2000). Stewart played Charles Xavier, the kind, empathetic telepath who believed in peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants. McKellen played Magneto, his ideological opposite. On screen, they showed two very different worldviews, but their strong on-screen connection came from real mutual respect.

Off screen, the two actors realized how much they enjoyed each other's company. Filming in Toronto meant lots of downtime between special effects scenes, and their trailers were next to each other. They spent that time together, drinking tea, eating, talking about acting, and sharing stories. McKellen always had something to eat, and Stewart was drawn to his humor and warmth.

Their backgrounds were both similar and different. Both grew up in Northern England, separated by the Pennines and the old York/Lancashire rivalry. Stewart left school at fifteen, while McKellen went to Cambridge. Both devoted their lives to theatre, but their personalities and experiences were different. Instead of dividing them, these differences gave them plenty to talk about.

Their friendship kept growing through the later X-Men films (X2 in 2003, X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, and X-Men: Days of Future Past in 2014). On screen, they might have disagreed about the future of mutants, but off screen, they became even closer. Stewart even called McKellen like a brother and said the best thing X-Men gave him was their friendship.

Their professional relationship deepened as they worked together again in theatre. In 2009, they starred in London's West End in Waiting for Godot (Samuel Beckett), with McKellen as Estragon and Stewart as Vladimir. The production showed off their chemistry. In the play, the two characters depend completely on each other for company in a confusing world, and the actors truly captured that partnership.

In 2013, they reunited on Broadway, performing in both Waiting for Godot and Harold Pinter's No Man's Land. By then, both were major classical actors with nothing left to prove. Their performances showed technical mastery and the simple joy of two friends enjoying the stage together. They brought the show to London again in 2016.

Outside the theatre, their friendship became a phenomenon. There were many photos of them walking around New York, posing by monuments, laughing together, and even kissing on the lips at public events. Fans who were used to seeing them as dignified figures loved seeing their playful side. They were true knights in every sense but never felt the need to hide their silliness.

One of the most touching moments came in September 2013, when Stewart married singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell. He asked McKellen to officiate, and McKellen happily agreed and got the credentials. However, those credentials weren't valid in Nevada, where the celebration was planned. So, they held a separate legal ceremony at a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles with their close friend to make it official. It was a touching act of trust during an important time in Stewart's life.

Their relationship meant much more than just entertainment. McKellen came out as gay in 1988 and became a leading campaigner for gay rights in Britain. Stewart, who was heterosexual, was a vocal supporter of gay rights and a true ally to McKellen. He supported marriage equality and strongly opposed discrimination, showing that friendship and solidarity mattered more to him than traditional ideas of masculinity.

For Stewart, supporting McKellen wasn't about politics. It was simply how he showed his affection. The kisses and hugs weren't romantic, and there was no embarrassment. It was just a natural expression of friendship between two men who were secure in themselves and could love each other openly. At a time when male affection was often misunderstood or mocked, their friendship stood out.

They sometimes joked about being in love. Stewart would laugh and admit he was in love with McKellen at one point, even saying Sunny was in love with him too. There was real sincerity in these moments. They found in each other an artistic equal, a trusted confidant, and someone who made everyday life more enjoyable.

Over the years, they continued to appear together at premieres, parties, and interviews. Their affection was never staged. They finished each other's sentences, enjoyed embarrassing each other, and spoke with the ease of two people who had shared so much. Their final on-screen pairing will be in Avengers: Doomsday (out in December 2026), once again as Professor X and Magneto.

After Stewart died at his Los Angeles home following an illness that included Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, McKellen shared a deeply personal tribute. He spoke about Stewart's Yorkshire roots, his directness, and his complete honesty. Most of all, he described Stewart as someone whose heart was open, someone you could always rely on, a man of great character who was deeply loved.

There was no need for an elaborate statement. The world had seen them together countless times in photos, interviews, on stage, and in many situations. What made their relationship special was that they truly loved each other, and it was never hidden. It wasn't just that two famous actors liked each other—it was clear they were in love, and everyone could see it.

Stewart and McKellen gave us outstanding performances as Shakespearean characters, Broadway partners, and comic book rivals. Perhaps their greatest contribution was showing male friendship at its most generous, affectionate, and open. Stewart's passing leaves McKellen alone in that way. The warmth of their friendship will remain one of the most lasting images. In a world that often mistakes emotional restraint for strength, they showed that nothing is more powerful or beautiful than loving a friend.

COMING TOMORROW TO THE HOLLYWOODLAND REVUE! Join me for a look back at MGM's sparkling 1939 classic The Women and my review of Illeana Douglas's new book, Jungle Red! The Making of MGM's The Women. I'll also share highlights from my visit to the American Cinematheque, where Douglas discussed the film's fascinating behind-the-scenes history. Hollywood glamour, legendary rivalries, and plenty of backstage drama! Don't miss it!

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen shared a remarkable friendship that extended far beyond stage and screen. What are your favorite memories of these two legendary actors? Please comment, rate, and share my latest Hollywoodland Revue tribute. Your thoughts and support are always appreciated!