BRITISH actor Patrick Stewart, whose celebrated career ranged from Shakespearean theatre to major Hollywood franchises, has died aged 86.
Stewart passed away in Los Angeles on Wednesday after living with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak confirmed. The conditions had not previously been disclosed.
He became a household name through his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, but his contribution to the performing arts extended well beyond the screen.
A respected Shakespearean performer, Stewart took on some of the playwright’s most demanding roles, including Macbeth and Claudius in Hamlet. His theatre career also included productions alongside longtime friend Ian McKellen.
His achievements earned him three Olivier Awards, while his spoken-word recording of Peter and the Wolf won a Grammy in 1996. Stewart also received his only Tony Award nomination for his critically acclaimed performance in Macbeth, which moved from Chichester to London’s West End and Broadway.
Tributes poured in following news of his death, with X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman remembering him as an exceptional actor and close friend, saying he had learnt much from Stewart and would miss him.
