LOS ANGELES: Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed British actor best known for his roles in Star Trek 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 described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. A statement shared on his social media accounts said he was surrounded by his wife, Sunny Ozell, family and friends.
Stewart became an international star as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek The Next Generation, which premiered in 1987 and ran for seven seasons. His portrayal of the thoughtful commander of the USS Enterprise made him one of the franchise’s most recognisable faces. He later reprised the role in several films and the series Star Trek Picard.
He reached another generation of audiences as Professor Charles Xavier, the founder of the X-Men, in the Marvel film franchise. Stewart first played the character in the 2000 film X-Men and returned to the role in several instalments, including Logan.
Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Stewart built his career in theatre before achieving screen fame. He spent 14 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed in productions of Shakespeare’s plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth and Antony and Cleopatra. His stage work also took him to Broadway and the West End.
His career earned him several honours, including Olivier Awards and a Grammy. He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Macbeth and was knighted in 2010 for services to drama.
Beyond acting, Stewart supported causes including domestic violence prevention, refugee rights and animal welfare. He was also known for his long friendship with fellow actor Ian McKellen and his support for English football club Huddersfield Town.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and co-stars. William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original Star Trek series, and X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman were among those who remembered Stewart and his contribution to film, television and theatre.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children from his first marriage.