Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his work in the “Star Trek” and “X-Men” franchises and his prolific, award-winning theater career, has died aged 86, his spokesperson confirmed. Stewart died at his home Wednesday, spokeswoman Kelly Bush Novak said in a statement. His death came after “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia,” Novak said. “He has been surrounded by the warm embrace of 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 devotion to us all,” Novak said. Patrick Stewart attends the premiere of “Star Trek: Picard” on January 13, 2020 in Hollywood, California. Rich Fury/Getty Images Stewart began his acting career doing plays in the United Kingdom, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s. Stewart’s most recognizable role began in 1987, when he began playing Enterprise captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” The show ran for seven seasons and also spawned four “Star Trek” movies with Stewart as Picard and the rest of the “Next Generation” cast. Stewart later reprized the role in the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Picard,” which ran for three seasons. “Star Trek” legend William Shatner posted: “Sir Patrick Stewart was 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 in us, as did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work.” Stewart also played X-Men leader Charles Xavier in more than half a dozen films in the franchise “X-Men.” He reprized the role for the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday,” due out in December 2026. Marvel Studios said on social media that it was “deeply saddened” by Stewart’s passing, calling him a “single talent” who defined the character “for generations of fans.” Stewart appeared in dozens of other film and television roles, including voice work on Seth MacFarlane’s animated shows “Family Guy” and “American Dad.” But most of his work was on stage: he was a frequent presence on Broadway and in London’s West End, where he played characters from Shakespeare’s villains to Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge. He appeared with his “X-Men” co-star Ian McKellen in “Waiting for Godot” in London in 2010, and then again in New York City in 2013. He also performed his individual version of “A Christmas Carol” frequently over the decades. Stewart appeared in more than 60 Royal Shakespeare Company productions. The company named him an “Honorary Associate Artist” to celebrate his contributions to their work. He also received three Olivier Awards for his London stage performances and received a Tony nomination for his work on Broadway. Stewart was nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Awards for his on-screen roles. It won a Grammy Award in 1995 for “Best Spoken Word Album for Children.” In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Stewart as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2010, Stewart received a knighthood, again from Elizabeth II, for his services to theatre. In 2023, Stewart published the memoir “Making It So.” The book landed him on the New York Times bestseller list. He also recorded a companion audiobook. Stewart was actively working until 2026. In addition to his role in “Avengers: Doomsday,” he recorded an audiobook where he narrated and commented on the 154 sonnets of William Shakespeare. He also had a voice role in the animated comedy “The Sheep Detectives.” Stewart was married three times. He married Sheila Falconer in 1966. The couple had two children, Daniel and Sophia, before divorcing in 1990. From 2000 to 2003, he was married to producer Wendy Neuss. In 2008, he began dating singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell. The two married in 2013 and were married until his death. Novak said Ozell was at Stewart’s side when he died. Stewart was also “a fierce advocate for causes in which he strongly believed,” his spokesperson said. Those causes included social justice, women’s rights, domestic abuse advocacy, veterans’ rights, the refugee crisis, animal rights, and political reform. “We will always cherish the peaceful tranquility and reflection on his face, a lasting reminder of his invincible grace,” Novak said. “His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre… He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role, in his art and in his life.” Go deeper with The Free Press on:
