British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in the ‘X-Men’ and ‘Star Trek’ franchises, has died at 86 after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, United States. His wife, Sunny Ozell, family and friends surrounded him in his final moments.
His family announced his death in a statement shared on his official Instagram page on Thursday. They described his illness as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
“We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia,” the statement read.
The family said the actor spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones, music and prayers.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.
Stewart’s career in Star Trek and X-Men
Born in Mirfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, Stewart began his acting career with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
He later built a six-decade career across theatre, television and film.
The actor gained international fame for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. The television series ran from 1987 to 1994. He later reprised the role in several films and the spin-off series ‘Star Trek: Picard’.
Stewart also earned widespread recognition for playing Professor Charles Xavier, popularly known as Professor X, in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. He portrayed the telepathic leader of the mutant community across several instalments of the superhero film series.
Stewart’s activism and family
Beyond acting, Stewart championed human rights and supported survivors of domestic violence, refugees and veterans’ mental health services. He also advocated for animal welfare, particularly through his support for foster pit bulls.
His family described his professional achievements as “humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism”.
The statement added that Stewart would be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to his roles and personal life.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children.
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