Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86 after Alzheimer's diagnosis
The Star Trek and X-Men star passed away in Los Angeles, prompting tributes from Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen.
By Nadia Khalil ·
Patrick Stewart died at the age of 86.
The actor, best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. His spokesman, Kelly Bush Novak, confirmed the news and revealed that Stewart had been living with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Bush Novak described his final illness as a brief and poignant journey.
Stewart's career began in theater, where he established himself as a respected classical actor. Born in Yorkshire in 1940, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966. He performed in productions of King John, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Henry IV. The company later remembered him as a colossus of both stage and screen, noting that his contribution to their work was beyond measure.
His rise to global fame came through television. Stewart played the iconic Captain Picard throughout the 1987 to 1994 run of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He returned to the role for several films and the later spin-off Star Trek: Picard, which aired between 2020 and 2023. He also earned widespread recognition as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise, appearing in films between 2000 and 2017.
Former co-stars have shared their memories of the actor. Sir Ian McKellen, who worked with Stewart in the X-Men franchise, described him as the most respected and beloved actor of his generation. The two men became close friends, a bond that extended off-screen. McKellen officiated at Stewart's wedding in 2013, and the pair appeared on stage together in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot in 2009. McKellen said he wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, admire, and love.
Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine alongside Stewart, called him a tremendous friend and man. Jackman stated that they lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. He added that he learned so much from Stewart and would miss him for all of his days. Other tributes came from the Marvel and Star Trek communities. Marvel Studios described him as a singular talent and a true gentleman, while William Shatner praised the intelligence and grace Stewart brought to his characters.
George Takei said Stewart inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers to look ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Ricky Gervais, who worked with Stewart on the BBC comedy Extras in 2005, simply described him as a legend. Ryan Reynolds saluted the actor's talent and kindness, telling him to travel easy, Sir Patrick.
Stewart was a devoted supporter of Huddersfield Town, the English football club from his native Yorkshire. The club described him as a titan of his craft and a Terrier in every sense, expressing pride in having counted him as one of their own. His other film credits include Dune, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Safe House.
