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Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his work in the “Star Trek” and “X-Men” franchises and his prolific stage career, has died at the age of 86, his spokesman confirmed.
Stewart died at home Wednesday, spokeswoman Kelly Bush Novak said in a statement. His death came after a “short and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia,” Novak said.
“He was held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of deep emotion that only a lifetime of devotion could inspire in all of us,” Novak said.
Stewart began his acting career producing stage 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 on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” The show ran for seven seasons and spawned four “Star Trek” movies starring Stewart as Picard and the rest of the “Next Generation” crew. Stewart later reprized the role for the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Picard,” which ran for three seasons.
“Star Trek” legend William Shatner added: “Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a wonderful 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 stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was full of respect and admiration for him and his work.”
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series, said on Threads that “Stewart took the Starship Enterprise to places it had never been before, and inspired the next generation of stargazers who were looking forward to a brighter future for all of humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in Heaven, Captain.”
Stewart also played “X-Men” leader Charles Xavier in over half a dozen films in the “X-Men” franchise. He reprized the role for the next “Avengers: Doomsday”, which will be released in December 2026. Marvel Studios said on social media that it was “deeply saddened” by Stewart’s death, saying that he was a “singular talent” who defined the character “for generations of fans”.
“X-Men” co-star Hugh Jackman said in a post on social media “We lost one of the greats of the stage and screen today. And, in my book, a great friend and person. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all my days.”
Stewart appeared in dozens of other film and television roles, including voice work on Seth MacFarlane’s animated shows “Family Guy” and “American Dad.”
“Padraig was one of those icons that we all took for granted that would always be with us,” MacFarlane wrote on social media on Thursday. “… He was that rare actor who could take a bit of communication and elevate it, making a good writer sound really good, and a good writer sound great. He was also as humble as they come…
Most of Stewart’s work was on the stage: he was a frequent presence on Broadway and in London’s West End, where he played characters from Shakespeare’s plays to Charles Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge. He appeared with “X-Men” co-star Ian McKellen in “Waiting for Godot” in London in 2010, then again in New York City in 2013. He also performed his one-man version of “A Christmas Carol” many times over the decades.
Stewart appeared in over 60 Royal Shakespeare Company productions. The company named him an “Honorary Contributing Artist” to recognize his contributions to their work. He has also been awarded three Olivier Awards for his London stage performances and received one Tony nomination for his work on Broadway.
Stewart has been nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards for his on-screen roles. It won a Grammy Award in 1995 for “Best Word Book 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 drama.
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 worked actively until 2026. In addition to his role in “Avengers: Doomsday,” he recorded an audio book where he recited and commented on William Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. 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 they divorced in 1990. From 2000 to 2003, he was married to producer Wendy Neuss. In 2008, he started dating singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell. The two got married in 2013 and were married until his death. Novak said Ozell was at Stewart’s side when he died.
Stewart was also a “strong advocate for causes he strongly believed in,” his spokesman said. These causes included social justice, women’s rights, domestic abuse advocacy, veterans’ rights, the refugee crisis, animal rights and political reform.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful serenity and reflection on his face, a lasting reminder of his unfathomable grace,” Novak said. “His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be matched by unforgettable achievements 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.”
