What to know
- British actor Patrick Stewart has died at 86 years old from Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
- He was best known for his roles in Star Trek and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Aside from playing science fiction heroes, Stewart also enjoyed a prolific career on Broadway.
Legendary actor Patrick Stewart, who is best known for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, has died at 86 years old.
A statement posted to social media says Stewart died on Wednesday in the “loving care of his beloved wife Sunny” following a “brief journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.” The latter is a progressive brain disorder and is the most common form of degenerative dementia, after Alzheimer’s.
“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre,” the announcement reads.
“He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise.”
Stewart’s career in the arts spanned more than 60 years in movies, television, and the stage. In 1966, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and made his Broadway debut in 1971 in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
But his rise to international recognition didn’t come until 1987, when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He played the role for nearly 40 years.
Stewart continued playing science fiction heroes, portraying Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s X-Men movies. His final appearance as Professor X was in Avengers: Doomsday, which is slated for release this December.
In 2010, he was knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.
In lieu of flowers, Stewart’s death announcement encourages fans to donate to Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.
