Patrick Stewart dies at 86

The British actor died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday in the company of his wife, Sunny, after a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Known for Shakespeare and Star Trek

Stewart's long career spanned more than six decades, from his first roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company to leading parts in Star Trek and X-Men franchises.

Born in poverty in West Yorkshire

Stewart was born on July thirteen, nineteen forty, in Mirfield, England's coal-mining country, where he grew up in poverty and domestic violence. He described acting as a safe space and refuge from real life.

Royal Shakespeare Company regular

Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in nineteen sixty-six, progressing from smaller supporting roles to storied leading parts over more than fifteen years as a regular member.

Captain Picard made him a star

Stewart reached international stardom playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation from nineteen eighty-seven to nineteen ninety-four, a role that defined his career.

Professor Xavier in X-Men films

In two thousand, Stewart took on another career-defining role as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men movies, a part he reprised for decades across multiple franchises.

Honours and final appearance

Stewart received two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in two thousand ten. He was set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, premiering in December.

Hugh Jackman's tribute

Hugh Jackman, who starred as Wolverine alongside Stewart, wrote: We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. I learned so much from him.

“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. I learned so much from him.”

Marvel and Star Trek remember him

Marvel Studios said Stewart brought Professor Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, defining the character for generations. Star Trek called him a voice, presence, and captain unlike any other.

William Shatner's farewell

William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, said Stewart was a friend, colleague, and magnificent actor who brought intelligence, grace, and humanity to everything he did.

Tributes from co-stars worldwide

George Takei called Stewart a true and irreplaceable legend. Rebecca Romijn said she felt grateful to have known him for the last twenty-five years, both as a fellow mutant and Starfleet member.