British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86.
According to Reuters, the acclaimed actor died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, California.
His family confirmed the development in a statement released on Thursday, revealing that he had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart died in the care of his wife, Sunny Ozell, surrounded by loved ones.
Family confirms Patrick Stewart’s death
In a statement issued through his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, the family expressed sadness over the actor’s passing.
The statement described his final period as “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia”.
His family said he spent his final moments surrounded by relatives and friends, with music, prayers and emotional reflections accompanying his passing.
They also paid tribute to his distinctive voice, remarkable acting abilities and contributions to entertainment.
The actor’s death brings to an end a celebrated career spanning more than six decades in theatre, television and film.
Patrick Stewart’s Star Trek, X-Men career
Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, Stewart developed an interest in acting at a young age.
He began his career in theatre and became a prominent member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in numerous classical productions.
His international breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The science fiction series ran for seven seasons until 1994 and established Stewart as one of television’s most recognisable actors.
He subsequently reprised the role in several Star Trek films and returned to television in Star Trek: Picard, which aired from 2020 to 2023.
Stewart also gained widespread recognition for portraying Professor Charles Xavier, popularly known as Professor X, in the X-Men film franchise.
He first appeared in the role in the 2000 film X-Men and continued portraying the character in several subsequent productions, including Logan in 2017.
Patrick Stewart leaves lasting entertainment legacy
Beyond his major film and television appearances, Stewart maintained a distinguished theatre career.
He performed in Shakespearean productions and appeared on Broadway and London’s West End.
His contributions to drama earned him several awards and nominations throughout his career.
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Stewart in recognition of his services to drama.
The actor also published his memoir, Making It So, in 2023, reflecting on his childhood, acting career and experiences in the entertainment industry.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and two children, Daniel and Sophia.
His death marks the loss of one of Britain’s most celebrated actors, whose performances helped shape generations of science fiction and superhero storytelling.
