British actor Patrick Stewart, whose portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films made him one of science fiction’s most recognizable stars, has died aged 86, his family announced Thursday.
Stewart died Wednesday, October 28, at his Los Angeles home, with his wife Sunny Ozell by his side, following an illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to a family statement.
Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1940, Stewart began his career in theatre and spent years performing Shakespeare with the Royal Shakespeare Company before achieving international fame.
He became Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987, playing the character for seven seasons and returning in several films and the television series Star Trek: Picard.
In 2000, he took on the role of Professor X in the X-Men franchise, appearing alongside Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman.
Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contributions to drama.
Tributes followed from Hollywood colleagues, including Jackman, who described him as a great actor and friend.
Stewart is survived by his wife and two children.
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