British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86.
Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his wife, musician Sunny Ozell, according to a statement posted on his official X account. He had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, in 1940, Stewart discovered his passion for acting as a child after being introduced to Shakespeare by a schoolteacher. He went on to join the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s, establishing himself as an accomplished stage performer.
His breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series ran for seven seasons and made Stewart an international star. He later reprised the role in several films and the streaming series Star Trek: Picard.
In 2000, he entered another major franchise as Professor Charles Xavier in the first X-Men film, appearing in several installments alongside longtime friend Ian McKellen.
Stewart also appeared in Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and participated in filming for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
In recognition of his contributions to drama, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Stewart in 2010.
Despite his success, Stewart remained open about the hardships of his childhood, including growing up in poverty and witnessing domestic abuse. He credited acting, particularly Shakespeare, with giving him a refuge during those difficult years.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
From the Shakespearean stage to some of the most recognizable characters in popular entertainment, Stewart leaves behind a legacy spanning generations of theater, television and film.
