Sir Patrick Stewart, the Shakespearean actor who became Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at 86. Deadline reports he died on 28 October at his home in Los Angeles, and a statement from his representative confirmed the news. IGN reports that his family posted the announcement on 29 October.
What the family said
Hello published the family’s statement, which said Stewart died “in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia”. Family spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak told IGN’s readers, through the statement, that he had been “held in the warm embrace of family and friends” at the end. The family also highlighted his philanthropy and activism, including work for survivors of domestic violence, refugees, veterans’ mental health services and animal welfare. Deadline notes he is survived by his wife, the American singer Sunny Ozell, whom he married in 2013, his son, the actor Daniel Stewart, and daughter Sophie.
From the Royal Shakespeare Company to the Enterprise
Stewart’s route to fame was long. Born on 13 July 1940 in Mirfield, Yorkshire, he built his reputation on the British stage before his work in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men franchise made him a household name. IGN notes he was 47 when he was cast as Picard, a role that took him to international fame and that he carried into the TNG films and his own streaming spin-off, Picard.
The second career-defining part came in 2000, when he was cast as Professor X in X-Men. IGN recounts that director Bryan Singer once joked Stewart was perfect as a bald man sitting in a chair giving orders. The character followed him to the MCU in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and his wider credits run from Excalibur and David Lynch’s Dune to Green Room, The Prince of Egypt, Ted, American Dad and I, Claudius. For many years he also performed Ebenezer Scrooge in a one-man stage version of A Christmas Carol, which later became a made-for-TV film.
One last appearance as Professor X
IGN reports that Avengers: Doomsday will mark his final screen appearance. Variety relays Marvel Studios’ own tribute, which called the film his “final on-screen appearance”. Men’s Journal quotes the studio describing him as “a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman”.
In an interview published in July, Stewart had no plans to step away. “I can’t imagine ever officially ‘retiring,’” he said, adding, “I’ll always and forever be an actor.” Parade carried those remarks after the news broke.
How can fans honour Stewart’s memory?
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.
Did Patrick Stewart appear in video games?
Yes. IGN lists voice roles in Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, Lands of Lore: The Throne of Chaos and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
When can fans see his final screen role?
Avengers: Doomsday opens in theatres on 18 December from Disney and Marvel Studios, with Stewart returning as Professor X. We haven’t seen a confirmed UAE release date yet, so check your local cinema listings.
