Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died aged 86 following a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia”, it has been announced on his social media.
The actor shot to fame when he originated the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987.
The sci-fi TV series ran for seven years, with films Star Trek Generations in 1994 and Star Trek: First Contact in 1996.
In a statement on Instagram on Thursday evening, it was announced that Sir Patrick has died.
The statement read: “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.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire in 1940, Sir Patrick’s more than 60-year career included movies, TV and the theatre including 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).
He earned a Grammy for best spoken word album for children for Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf in 1996.
Sir Patrick also earned four Emmy nominations for various work and two supporting actor Olivier Awards for Shakespeare plays, the first for Antony And Cleopatra in 1979 and the second for Hamlet in 2009.
The statement on the actor’s Instagram continued: “A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television.
“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise.
“His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties.
“He was a knight, chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role – in his art and life.
“Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.” — Patrick Stewart, Making It So: A Memoir.
The social media post also said that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.
Marvel Studios paid tribute to Sir Patrick, describing the actor as “a true gentleman”.
In a message posted on X, the film and TV production company said: “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart.
“Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from ‘X-Men’ to ‘Logan’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’
“He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman.
“Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”
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