Sir Patrick Stewart, the celebrated actor best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek” and Professor Charles Xavier in “X-Men,” has died at the age of 86.
A statement shared on his official X account confirmed that he died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with his wife, Sunny Ozell, by his side.
Stewart had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to the statement announcing his death. AP News+1
He was born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England. He grew up in poverty in a household marked by domestic violence. Stewart once revealed that he would sometimes place himself between his parents to stop his father from beating his mother.
Acting became an escape for him during his childhood. At the age of 12, a teacher introduced him to the works of William Shakespeare, sparking his interest in theatre.
He began his professional acting career at the age of 18 and later became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s.
Although he had established himself as a theatre actor, international fame came when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” at the age of 47.
The television series aired from 1987 to 1994 and turned him into a global star.
He later reprised the role in several films and returned to the character in the television series “Star Trek: Picard,” which premiered in 2020, when he was 79.
In 2000, Stewart began portraying Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” film franchise, earning recognition among a new generation of cinema fans. He was also set to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in December 2026. The Washington Post+1
In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts.
Stewart was married three times and had two children. In 2013, he married American singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell.
Marvel Studios paid tribute to the actor, praising his exceptional talent, generosity and character. The studio described him as a remarkable performer whose portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier had left a lasting impression on generations of fans.
Stewart leaves behind a legacy that connected classical theatre with futuristic cinema, reaching audiences across generations.
His journey from a difficult childhood in Yorkshire to international recognition reflected a life shaped by the arts, through which he created performances that will continue to be remembered by fans around the world.
KIGALI TIMES