Patrick Stewart, the British actor whose theatrical career preceded international fame in Star Trek and X-Men, has died at 86. His family announced that he died at his Los Angeles home, with his wife, Sunny, caring for him, following Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart portrayed Captain Jean-Luc Picard throughout the seven-season run of Star Trek: The Next Generation, from 1987 to 1994, and in four subsequent films. He revisited the character in Star Trek: Picard from 2020 to 2023. Beginning in 2000, he also became widely recognized as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, later reprising the role in other Marvel productions.
Having begun his career on stage, Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company and performed roles ranging from Claudius to Macbeth. His theatrical work included a one-man adaptation of A Christmas Carol and productions with his longtime friend Ian McKellen. He received three Olivier Awards and a Grammy, the latter for his recording of Peter and the Wolf.
Queen Elizabeth II knighted Stewart in 2010. Away from performing, he campaigned against domestic violence and supported Refuge, an organization providing shelter to victims of abuse. He also served as an ambassador for the International Rescue Committee.
William Shatner, George Takei, and Hugh Jackman were among those paying tribute. Shatner, who appeared with Stewart in Star Trek: Generations, praised both his artistry and his humanity; Jackman emphasized their friendship and how much he had learned from him. Stewart is survived by his wife, singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell, and two adult children.
