Sir Patrick Stewart, the British actor best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died aged 86.
Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 28 October, following what his spokesperson described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
His death was announced on Thursday by his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, in a statement shared on the actor’s social media accounts.
“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 said.
It added that he would be remembered for the “dignity, compassion and humanity” he brought to his work and personal life.
Stewart became internationally recognised for his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, appearing throughout all seven seasons of the television series.
He later reprised the role in four Star Trek films and returned to the character in the series Star Trek: Picard in 2020.
He was also widely known for playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, a role he performed over more than two decades.
Before achieving global fame on screen, Stewart built a distinguished theatre career, including 14 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His performances included roles in several Shakespeare productions.
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him at Buckingham Palace for his services to drama.
Stewart said at the time that he was “very proud” to receive the honour, describing theatre as his “great joy”.
He also supported causes including human rights, refugees, survivors of domestic violence, veterans’ mental health and animal welfare.
Funeral arrangements
No date, venue or other details of Stewart’s funeral had been publicly announced as of 30 October.
A message shared on his social media accounts asked people to make memorial contributions instead of sending flowers.
It named the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre Fund and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s caregiver resources as organisations to support.
Stewart is survived by his wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, and his two children, Daniel and Sophie, from his first marriage.
Tributes have been paid by colleagues and co-stars, including Star Trek actor William Shatner and X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman, who remembered Stewart for his talent and friendship.
