Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies aged 86

He passed away at his Los Angeles home following a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia”, according to a statement posted on social media.

The actor shot to fame when he originated the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987.

The sci-fi TV series ran for seven years, followed by films Star Trek Generations in 1994 and Star Trek: First Contact in 1996.

He also starred as Marvel superhero Professor Charles Xavier in the blockbuster X-Men film series beginning in 2000.

Sir Patrick Stewart arriving at the Labour Summer Party at the Roundhouse, in Camden, north London in 2019 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

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He also featured in 2022’s Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness and 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine.

He earned four Emmy nominations, and won a Grammy for best spoken word album for children for Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf in 1996.

He also won two supporting actor Olivier Awards for Shakespeare plays, the first for Antony And Cleopatra in 1979 and the second for Hamlet in 2009.

Jonathan Frakes and Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: First Contact (PA)

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Sir Patrick received a knighthood for services to drama in 2009, and was knighted by the late Queen in 2010

He was married three times, and has a son and a daughter.

A statement posted to Instagram on Thursday evening read: “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.

“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.

“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.

"A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television."

Sir Patrick Stewart

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Marvel Studios paid tribute in a post on X, describing the actor as “a true gentleman”.

The post read: “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart.

“He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman.

“Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”

Sir Patrick Stewart with Huddersfield Town mascot Terry the Terrier (Mike Egerton/PA)

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William Shatner, Huddersfield Town Football Club, and Defence Secretary Wes Streeting all also paid tributes following the news of Sir Patrick’s death.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive officer Michelle Dyson said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that Sir Patrick Stewart has died following a brief journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

“Sir Patrick was an extraordinarily talented and much-loved actor, admired by millions around the world, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who loved him.

“Both Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia are progressive conditions that can affect memory, thinking and behaviour, gradually changing how a person experiences and interacts with the world around them.

“His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact dementia has on people and families across the globe. Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia. For expert advice and support, visit alzheimers.org.uk or call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.”