Sir Patrick Stewart Dies Aged 86: Star Trek and X-Men Legend Remembered by Hollywood
Sir Patrick Stewart, the celebrated British actor whose commanding performances in Star Trek and X-Men made him one of the most recognisable figures in science-fiction cinema and television, has died aged 86.
Stewart died on Wednesday, October 28, at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones, following what his family described as a brief battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
The news was announced in a family statement on Thursday, prompting tributes from across the entertainment industry.
Australian actor Hugh Jackman, who starred opposite Stewart as Wolverine throughout the X-Men franchise, was among those paying tribute.
“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today,” Jackman wrote on Instagram. “And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.”
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, in 1940, Stewart began his career in theatre, establishing himself as a respected Shakespearean performer through his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His international breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a role he would portray across seven seasons, several feature films and the later Paramount+ series Star Trek: Picard.
In 2000, Stewart introduced another defining character to audiences, portraying Professor Charles Xavier in Bryan Singer’s X-Men.
His performance as the telepathic founder of the X-Men established him as a central figure in the superhero franchise, with subsequent appearances including X2, X-Men: Days of Future Past and James Mangold’s Logan.
Stewart is also set to appear posthumously as Charles Xavier in Marvel Studios’ upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in December.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige remembered the actor as a generous colleague whose influence extended well beyond his performances.
“It was a true privilege to know him and to work with him,” Feige said in a statement.
Fellow Star Trek actor William Shatner also paid tribute, describing Stewart as a friend and a magnificent actor who brought intelligence and humanity to his work.
Knighted in 2010 for his services to drama, Stewart’s career spanned more than six decades across theatre, film and television.
Beyond acting, he was a committed advocate for survivors of domestic violence, refugees and animal welfare.
He is survived by his wife, singer Sunny Ozell, and his two children.
From the bridge of the USS Enterprise to the halls of Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, Stewart leaves behind a legacy that helped shape generations of science-fiction and superhero storytelling.