SNL Honors Patrick Stewart With 1994 Hosting Clip

Saturday Night Live closed its October 31 episode with a clip of Patrick Stewart introducing musical guests Salt-N-Pepa during his 1994 turn as host. A tribute card followed the video, honoring the actor, who died on October 28 at 86.

The enthusiastic introduction became a popular clip in later years. Stewart revisited it in a video for SNL’s 50th anniversary in February 2025, wearing a Salt-N-Pepa T-shirt as he recreated the moment.

Stewart’s family said he died after facing Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. In a statement, they said he spent his final moments with family and friends, surrounded by music, prayer, tears and laughter. They remembered his “invincible grace.”

Best known for playing Jean-Luc Picard, commander of the Enterprise, in the Star Trek franchise’s 1987–94 series and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, Stewart continued acting into his later years. His final interview, published in July 2026, included his statement that he could not imagine officially retiring and would always be an actor.

Stewart’s final screen role is in Avengers: Doomsday, due for release in December. Marvel Studios also paid tribute, praising his portrayal of Xavier and its impact on superhero storytelling.