By Basant El-Faramawy
Beloved actor Sir Patrick Stewart, renowned for his iconic roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film series, has died at the age of 86. He passed away Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles after a brief battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, according to a family statement posted on his official social media accounts.
Career highlights
Stewart's career spanned decades across stage, television, and film. He gained global fame as the stoic starship captain in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987–1994) and later reprised the role in several feature films. He also portrayed the telepathic mutant leader Professor X across multiple "X-Men" movies, beginning in 2000. His distinguished stage work included extensive performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Family announcement
"We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia," the Instagram statement read. It described his final moments surrounded by family, friends, live music, and prayer, celebrating his "invincible grace."
