Choi Bul-am and Patrick Stewart, the "Korean and British National Fathers" Born in 1940, Passed Away on the Same Day [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

South Korea's beloved national father actor Choi Bul-am and Hollywood's British national actor Patrick Stewart passed away on the same day.

According to the bereaved family on the 30th, Choi Bul-am died at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, around 10 p.m. on the night of the 29th while receiving inpatient treatment. It is known that his wife, actress Kim Min-ja, and their children were by his side until the end.

The late actor had stepped down from "Korean Table," a KBS 1TV documentary program he hosted for 14 years since 2011, after undergoing lumbar disc surgery in March of last year, which left him with mobility issues. He subsequently devoted himself to rehabilitation, but his health reportedly deteriorated rapidly.

On the same day, news also emerged of the death of British actor Patrick Stewart, who portrayed Professor X in the "X-Men" film series and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the "Star Trek" series.

The U.S.-based New York Times (NYT) reported that Patrick died at his home after suffering from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Both men share the commonality of being born in 1940. Choi Bul-am was born in Incheon in 1939, but his registered year of birth is 1940. Patrick Stewart was born on July 13, 1940, in Midsmere, England.

Choi Bul-am is an actor who has been a pillar of Korean popular culture throughout a career spanning more than 60 years. He debuted in the play "Hamlet" in 1959 and portrayed Detective Sergeant Park Young-han in the MBC drama "Detective Squad," depicting a rigid yet humane police officer. Following this, he spent a long time with viewers as Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in "Rural Diary," which aired from 1980 to 2002.

In particular, Chairman Kim in "Rural Diary" became deeply imprinted on viewers as a strict yet warm patriarch, earning him the epithet "National Father." He communicated with the public by hosting KBS 1TV's "Korean Table" for 14 years.

Patrick Stewart also demonstrated a commanding presence in his works and won the love of audiences worldwide. Patrick also built solid acting skills while active with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). He subsequently rose to global stardom by taking on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the American science fiction drama "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which began in 1987.

Additionally, he left another strong impression by playing Professor X, who leads the mutants, in the "X-Men" film series released in 2000. His portrayal of nurturing the characters in the work, including his relationship with Wolverine played by Hugh Jackman, resonated deeply with many viewers.

Although the two differed in their stages of activity, language, and culture, they were similar in that they received love spanning generations through their works. The departure of these two actors, who represented an era, leaves great regret for many people.

Meanwhile, a wake for the late Choi Bul-am has been set up in Room 20 of the Asan Medical Center funeral home in Seoul. The funeral will be held at 7 a.m. on the 2nd, and he will be buried at Donghwa Memorial Park.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original