Actor Patrick Stewart dies at 86 after illness
Patrick Stewart, known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier, died at age 86 following diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Patrick Stewart died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, his spokesperson said. He was 86 and had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart’s career spanned stage and screen. He portrayed Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987-1994), appeared in the follow-up series "Star Trek: Picard" (2020-2023), and played Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film series beginning in 2000. He also provided voice work for "American Dad" and appeared in recent projects such as the film "The Sheep Detectives" and the Prime Video series "Bait" in 2026.
Born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, made his Broadway debut in 1971, and earned multiple theatre awards, including two Laurence Olivier Awards and a Tony nomination. He was knighted in 2010 for services to drama.
Marvel Studios expressed condolences, noting Stewart’s impact on the "X-Men" franchise. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, said Stewart brought "extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity" to the role of Professor Xavier.
The Royal Shakespeare Company described Stewart as a "colossus of both stage and screen" and highlighted his long-term involvement with the company.
Tributes were shared by fellow actors, including Hugh Jackman, William Shatner, Jonathan Frakes, and "Star Trek: Picard" executive producer Akiva Goldsman, who each recalled Stewart’s professionalism and influence on their work.