Patrick Stewart, actor known for his iconic roles in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men,’ dies at 86

Beloved actor Patrick Stewart has died following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his rep has confirmed. He was 86 years old.

“We announce with great sadness the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, under 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, his longtime spokesperson, said in a statement Thursday.

Stewart – whose storied career included the iconic roles of Professor

“He was held in the warm arms of his family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of deep emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of dedication to us all,” the statement said. “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection of His invincible grace. »

Stewart, an indelible part of the “Star Trek” legacy, played Jean-Luc Picard for seven seasons on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” from 1987 to 1994, and in several films, and he reprized the role on the Paramount+ show “Star Trek: Picard,” from 2020 to 2023.

He took on the role of Professor Charles Xavier with the 2000 film “X-Men” and continued to portray the telepathic mutant genius in several sequels.

He was featured in a trailer for the highly anticipated “Avengers: Doomsday” film scheduled for release in December, reprising the role for the eighth time in the mega Marvel crossover.

He had recently done voiceover work in the film “The Sheep Detectives” and appeared in the Prime Video series “Bait”, both in 2026, according to his IMDb profile.

Born in the town of Mirfield in West Yorkshire, England, he joined the famous Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966. He then made his Broadway debut in 1971 in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and forged a career on the big screen.

During his theatrical career, he graced numerous Broadway and West End stages, including as the title character in “Macbeth” on Broadway, for which he was nominated for a Tony in 2008.

Across the Atlantic, he won two Laurence Olivier Awards focused on London theater: the first in 1979 for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Antony and Cleopatra” and the second in 2009 for Best Supporting Performance as King Claudius in “Hamlet.”

As a voice actor, Stewart lent his baritone to the character of Avery Bullock, the eccentric CIA director in the animated comedy “American Dad,” from its debut in 2005 until this year. He also played several characters, including his own Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in the animated comedy “Family Guy” from 2005 to 2018.

“Her sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances across all genres,” Novak, Stewart’s spokesperson, said in a statement. “It explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also to science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise.”

Offstage, he is dedicated to philanthropy and activism, including advocating for human rights, survivors of domestic violence, refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare.

A revered figure in Hollywood – with myriad accolades and nominations for Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards – he was also knighted in 2010 by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.

The statement ends with a quote from his 2023 book, “Making It So: A Memoir”: “Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an atypical life that has taken him far beyond the limits of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained faithful to his earthly roots, because they are what gave him his identity. Ultimately, he feels the call of home, just like me.”

Marvel Studios said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” by Stewart’s passing.

“Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from ‘X-Men’ to ‘Logan’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday,'” the statement said. “He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his wife Sunny, his children, his friends and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, remembers seeing Stewart in action for the first time.

“I will never forget the first time I saw Sir Patrick Stewart on the set of the first

“Off camera, he was even more remarkable, with a wonderfully keen sense of humor. It was a true privilege to know him and work with him. His legacy lives on not only in decades of extraordinary work, but also in the many, many people he mentored. He will be greatly missed,” he added.

The Royal Shakespeare Company hailed Stewart as “a colossus of stage and screen and one of the finest classical Shakespearean actors of his generation.”

“Despite being one of the world’s most recognizable Shakespearean artists, Sir Patrick remained deeply connected to Stratford-upon-Avon and the RSC throughout his career,” the company said, referring to Shakespeare’s birthplace, where the RSC is based. “His contribution to our company and our industry is immeasurable. »

The company said Stewart had been a core member until 1982.

Tributes have been pouring in for Stewart from devoted fans and co-stars.

Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine to Stewart’s Professor

William Shatner, another “Star Trek” captain, remembers Stewart as “a friend, a colleague and a magnificent actor.”

“From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard represented the best of us, as did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work,” he said on social media.

Jonathan Frakes, who played Cmdr. William Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Picard,” wrote on his Instagram story: “Rest in peace my friend. »

“Star Trek: Picard” executive producer Akiva Goldsman remembered Stewart as “not only a true lion of the profession, but he was that rarest of alchemists, one who could literally turn written words into flesh and blood.”

“Patrick was kind, strong, extremely intelligent, collaborative, vulnerable and wise. His Captain Jean-Luc Picard permanently expanded the Star Trek universe beyond measure. He will be greatly missed by this fan and many others,” Goldsman said in a statement.