By Sohaib Shams
Renowned British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86 at his Los Angeles home after a brief illness with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, his family announced on Thursday. The veteran performer, best known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" films, was described by his family as passing "in the loving care of his wife" with "peaceful ease and reflection on his face."
Tributes from fellow actors
Sir Ian McKellen, a longtime friend and co-star who officiated Stewart's 2013 wedding, led the tributes, calling him "the most respected and beloved actor of his generation." McKellen recalled their early days at the Royal Shakespeare Company and praised Stewart's Yorkshire honesty and his proudest achievement as chancellor of Huddersfield University.
William Shatner, who also commanded the Enterprise in "Star Trek," said Stewart brought "intelligence, grace and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did," adding that "Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him."
George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, credited Stewart with inspiring "a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity." Hugh Jackman, his "X-Men" co-star, called him a "tremendous friend and man" and "one of the greats of stage and screen."
Career spanning stage and screen
Stewart portrayed Captain Picard in more than 170 episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" from 1987 to 1994 and in four feature films, returning to the role for "Star Trek: Picard" in 2020. His film credits also include "Safe House," "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," David Lynch's "Dune," and the upcoming Marvel film "Avengers: Doomsday" as Professor X.
A classically trained actor, Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, performing roles such as King John, Oberon, and Henry IV. The RSC hailed him as a "colossus of both stage and screen" and "one of the finest classical Shakespearean actors of his generation." Dame Harriet Walter, a colleague of over 40 years, said his passing felt like "a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest."
Personal life and honors
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, in 1940, Stewart's love of drama began at school. He credited his English teacher for encouraging him to perform, saying he owed "literally everything" to that early support. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.
Stewart remained fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots and was a lifelong supporter of Huddersfield Town Football Club, which called him a "titan of his craft" and a "Terrier in every sense." He is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and two adult children, Daniel and Sophie, from his first marriage.
Final roles and legacy
Marvel Studios described Stewart as "a singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman." The Alzheimer's Society CEO Michelle Dyson noted his death is a "heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact dementia has on people and families across the globe." Seth MacFarlane, who worked with Stewart on "Family Guy," "American Dad!" and "Ted," praised his ability to elevate any dialogue, while Ricky Gervais shared bloopers from "Extras," calling him a "legend" who "didn't even mind when I ruined every take."
