Sir Patrick Stewart was last seen publicly watching his most beloved football club two years before his death as club announces heartfelt tribute

Sir Patrick Stewart spent more than six decades entertaining audiences across theatre, television and cinema, becoming one of Britain's most recognisable actors through his roles in Star Trek and the X-Men films. Away from the screen, however, his loyalties belonged to a football club from his native Yorkshire, and one of his final public appearances saw him cheering on the team he had supported since childhood.Huddersfield to honour Stewart before Bradford clashThe Yorkshire side will travel to Valley Parade for the 12:30 kick-off, where both clubs will also remember former EFL goalkeeper and coach John Vaughan, who died earlier in October. Vaughan had worked with both Huddersfield and Bradford during his coaching career, making the occasion a joint tribute from the two clubs.Huddersfield confirmed the arrangements in a statement on social media, saying:"Tomorrow, we'll join Bradford City in a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off to remember John Vaughan, who sadly passed away earlier this month."Representing both Town and Bradford across his coaching career, we'll come together to honour him before the first whistle."We'll be wearing black armbands in memory of 'Vaughany' and lifelong Town supporter Sir Patrick Stewart, who sadly passed away on Wednesday."You'll always be Terriers."The match also carries significance in the League One standings, with Bradford sitting fourth, three points behind league leaders Huddersfield, and looking to draw level with their Yorkshire rivals.Stewart's final public appearance came at a Huddersfield matchStewart's final public appearance came on November 9, 2024, when he attended Huddersfield's away fixture against Crawley Town at Broadfield Stadium. The actor was photographed in the stands wearing a Huddersfield Town scarf, smiling as he watched the club he had supported since the age of seven.The appearance took place approximately two years before his death, during a period when his declining health had increasingly limited his public engagements. Born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Stewart remained fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots despite spending much of his professional life working internationally and eventually settling in the United States.His attachment to Huddersfield was not simply a passing interest associated with his hometown. He regularly attended matches and remained one of the club's most recognisable supporters, with his presence at games often attracting attention from fellow fans.One of the most memorable occasions came in 2017, when Stewart travelled to Wembley to watch Huddersfield defeat Reading in the Championship play-off final. The victory, secured through a penalty shootout following a goalless draw, returned the Terriers to the Premier League for the first time since 1972.Huddersfield pay tribute to one of their most famous supportersFollowing news of Stewart's death, Huddersfield released an emotional statement recognising his contribution as a supporter and his enduring connection with the town."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."From Star Trek's Captain Picard to Professor XStewart's career spanned more than 60 years across stage and screen, although international recognition arrived in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. His portrayal of the Enterprise captain established him as one of science fiction's most celebrated actors, with the character later returning in several films and the television series Star Trek: PicardHe reached another generation of audiences through his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, beginning with the original film in 2000. The character, a powerful mutant who advocates peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants, became one of Stewart's defining screen roles.His career also included extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, reflecting his background as a classically trained stage actor before Hollywood brought him worldwide recognition.Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, surrounded by his wife, Sunny, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, according to his spokesperson.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.