Actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86
British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in "Star Trek" and the "X-Men" franchise, died at his Los Angeles home from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Sir Patrick Stewart, the British actor celebrated for his portrayals of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" films, died on Wednesday at his Los Angeles residence. His longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, said Stewart succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart began his career on the stage, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 and performing in productions such as "Hamlet" and "King Lear." He entered American television when he was cast as the captain of the starship Enterprise, a role that later defined his career. The series ran for seven seasons and led to four feature films, followed by a revival series, "Star Trek: Picard," in which Stewart returned under conditions that avoided a uniform and emphasized new storytelling.
"The only reason to play Picard again was to break new ground," co-creator Alex Kurtzman said, noting the series aimed to address contemporary issues.
LeVar Burton, Stewart’s longtime co-star, described him as "family" in a statement, adding that he valued Stewart’s talent and generosity.
Beyond "Star Trek," Stewart appeared in the "X-Men" movies, portraying Professor Xavier across multiple films and in a cameo in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (2022). Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige called Stewart "brilliant, charming, warm, generous, with a quiet strength and gravitas," and the studio issued a statement praising his professionalism and impact on the franchise.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny, and his children, Daniel and Sophie Alexandra.