British actor Patrick Stewart has died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 86. His family announced his death on his official social media accounts, saying his wife, Sunny, was with him. He had Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, conditions that affect memory and thinking.
Stewart became internationally known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 to 1994. After seven seasons and four films, he returned to the character in Star Trek: Picard between 2020 and 2023. He also began playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films in 2000.
His career began on stage, and he later joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. Among his theater projects was a one-person version of A Christmas Carol, in which he performed every character. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2010, giving him the title “Sir.” Beyond acting, he supported people affected by domestic violence.
William Shatner, George Takei, and Hugh Jackman were among the actors who paid tribute to him. Shatner remembered Stewart's friendship and praised his ability as an actor, while Jackman said he had learned a great deal from him. Stewart is survived by his wife, singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell, and his two adult children.
