By Fatma Younis
Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed English actor known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film franchise, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 86. His family announced the death Thursday, stating he passed away after a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia."
Career and Legacy
Stewart rose to fame in 1987 when he was cast as Captain Picard, a role that initially went against the wishes of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry. Producer Robert Justman discovered Stewart during a UCLA Shakespeare lecture and advocated for his audition. Stewart, a classically trained stage actor, expected the series to last only one season but went on to lead it for seven seasons and several films. He later brought gravitas to the role of Professor Xavier, cementing his status as a science-fiction icon.
Personal Life
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and their two children, Daniel and Sophie Stewart. A spokesperson described his final moments as peaceful, surrounded by family, friends, live music, and prayer.
