Veteran British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men film franchise, has died at the age of 86.
Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, following what his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, described as a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His death was announced on Thursday, October 29, in a statement shared on his social media accounts.
According to the statement, the actor spent his final moments surrounded by family and friends, including his wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell.
“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,” the statement read.
Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England, Stewart built a career spanning more than six decades across theatre, film and television.
He became internationally recognised for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired from 1987 to 1994. He later returned to the role in several films and the television series Star Trek: Picard.
Stewart also became a familiar face to superhero audiences through his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, in the X-Men franchise, beginning with the 2000 film.
Beyond his screen roles, Stewart was an accomplished stage actor who spent years performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His work included acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s plays and other major theatrical works.
In recognition of his contribution to drama, he was knighted in 2010. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children, Daniel and Sophie, from his first marriage to Sheila Falconer.
His death marks the end of a distinguished career that brought him recognition across generations of theatre, science-fiction and superhero fans.
