Patrick Stewart, best known for “Star Trek” and “X-Men,” dies at 86

Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his work in the "Star Trek" and "X-Men" franchises and his prolific award-winning stage career, has died at 86 years old, his spokesperson confirmed.

Stewart died at home on Wednesday, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said in a statement. His death followed "a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia," Novak said.

"He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all," Novak said.

Stewart began his acting career doing stage plays in the United Kingdom, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s.

Stewart's most recognizable role began in 1987, when he started playing Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The show ran for seven seasons and also spawned four "Star Trek" films featuring Stewart as Picard and the rest of the "Next Generation" cast. Stewart later reprised the role for Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Picard," which ran for three seasons.

Fellow "Star Trek" legend William Shatner posted: "Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work."

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original "Star Trek" series, said on Threads that "Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity. Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain."

Stewart also played "X-Men" leader Charles Xavier in over half a dozen films in the "X-Men" franchise. He reprised the role for the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," which will be released in December 2026. Marvel Studios said on social media that it was "deeply saddened" by Stewart's passing, calling him a "singular talent" who defined the character "for generations of fans."

"X-Men" co-star Hugh Jackman said in a social media post "We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days."

Stewart appeared in dozens of other film and television roles, including voice work on Seth MacFarlane's animated shows "Family Guy" and "American Dad."

"Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us," MacFarlane wrote on social media Thursday. "... He was that rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great, and a great writer sound masterful. He was also as humble as they come ... We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire planet."

The bulk of Stewart's work was on the stage: He was a frequent presence on Broadway and in London's West End, where he played characters from Shakespearean villains to Charles Dickens' Ebenezer Scrooge. He appeared with "X-Men" co-star Ian McKellen in "Waiting for Godot" in London in 2010, then again in New York City in 2013. He also performed his one-man version of "A Christmas Carol" frequently over the decades.

Stewart appeared in over 60 Royal Shakespeare Company productions. The company named him an "Honorary Associate Artist" to celebrate his contributions to their work. He has also been awarded three Olivier Awards for his London stage performances and received one Tony nomination for his work on Broadway.

Stewart was nominated for multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards for his on-screen roles. He won a Grammy Award in 1995 for "Best Spoken Word Album for Children."

In 2001, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Stewart an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. In 2010, Stewart received a knighthood, again from Elizabeth II, for his services to drama.

In 2023, Stewart published the memoir "Making It So." The book landed him on the New York Times' best-sellers list. He also recorded a companion audiobook.

Stewart was actively working until 2026. In addition to his role in "Avengers: Doomsday," he recorded an audiobook where he narrated and commented on all 154 of William Shakespeare's sonnets. He also had a voice role in the animated comedy "The Sheep Detectives."

Stewart was married three times. He wed Sheila Falconer in 1966. The pair had two children — Daniel and Sophia — before divorcing in 1990. From 2000 to 2003, he was married to producer Wendy Neuss. In 2008, he began dating singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell. The two married in 2013 and were wed until his death. Novak said Ozell was at Stewart's side when he died.

Stewart was also "a fierce advocate for causes he strongly believed in," his spokesperson said. Those causes included social justice, women's rights, domestic abuse advocacy, veterans' rights, the refugee crisis, animal rights and political reform.

"We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace," Novak said. "His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. … He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role — in his art and life."