British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” film franchise, has died at the age of 86.
According to a statement posted on his X account, Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday, October 29, surrounded by his wife, Sunny Ozell, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Stewart began his acting career at 18 and gained recognition as a stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company before achieving worldwide fame as Captain Picard in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which premiered in 1987.
He later portrayed Professor X in the “X-Men” franchise, beginning with the first film in 2000.
In recognition of his contributions to drama, Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
Despite his passing, Stewart is set to appear posthumously in Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Doomsday,” which is scheduled for release in December.
(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)
