Actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86 after illness
Sir Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in Star Trek and the X-Men films, died at his Los Angeles home following complications from Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Sir Patrick Stewart died at his Los Angeles residence on Wednesday after a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his spokesperson announced on Instagram. > "We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia," Kelly Bush Novak said.
Stewart, 86, was born in Yorkshire in 1940 and built a six-decade career in theatre, television and film. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for services to drama. He achieved worldwide recognition as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and later as Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" franchise.
Marvel Studios posted a tribute noting Stewart’s impact on the character of Xavier and expressing condolences to his family and fans. Stewart was slated to reprise the role in the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," now expected to be released posthumously in December.
In lieu of flowers, Stewart’s family requested donations to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centre Fund and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources. He is survived by his wife Sunny and two children.