BREAKING NEWS: Star Trek and X-Men actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies aged 86

Star Trek and X-Men star Sir Patrick Stewart has died at age 86.

The actor's Instagram page announced his passing today (29 October), revealing that he'd passed away on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles following a battle 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 said.

"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."

Born in Mirfield, West Riding of Yorkshire on 13 July 1940, Stewart became a TV icon with his role as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987, which ran for seven years, later reprising the role in four feature films, including Star Trek Generations and Star Trek: First Contact.

His other well-known role was that of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, starting with 2000's X-Men. He also had an expansive stage career, appearing in numerous stage productions after first joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966.

Throughout his decades-long career, he won a Grammy and two Olivier awards for his stage work, as well as nominations for three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild awards.

Stewart is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, alongside Ian McKellen's Magneto.

Following the announcement of his passing, Marvel paid tribute to the star on X, calling him "a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman".

"All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from X-Men to Logan to Avengers: Doomsday," they continued.

"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."

Meanwhile, fellow X-Men star Hugh Jackman called him a "tremendous friend and man" on Instagram, adding: "I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days."

William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original series of Star Trek, wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of the pair embracing: "What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed."