Patrick Stewart played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Xavier in X-Men.
Spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak announced the actor’s death, following a career spanning more than six decades in television, film and theatre.
British actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86, his spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak announced on Thursday. He died on October 28, 2026, at his Los Angeles home after a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, she said.
Novak shared the announcement through Stewart’s social media accounts. His wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, was by his side, while family and friends gathered around him.
The statement described those close to Stewart surrounding him with live music, prayer, laughter and tears. Audiences knew him best as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men.
Patrick Stewart dies after decades on stage and screen
Stewart achieved international fame in 1987 when he took the role of Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He played the captain throughout the television show’s seven seasons, then returned for several films.
He later revisited the character in Star Trek: Picard, which ran for three seasons. The role remained a defining part of his long screen career.
Meanwhile, his portrayal of Professor Xavier, also known as Professor X, brought him another major franchise. He first appeared as the character in the original X-Men film in 2000.
Working alongside Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen also introduced Stewart to a new generation of cinema audiences. Beyond these screen roles, he maintained a substantial career in theatre.
Shakespeare, honours and charitable work
Stewart spent nearly two decades with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in numerous Shakespeare productions. His stage work included Hamlet, Macbeth and The Tempest.
Across his career, he earned three Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and multiple Emmy nominations. Queen Elizabeth II also knighted him in 2010 for his services to drama.
Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, Yorkshire, Stewart developed an interest in acting as a teenager. A teacher encouraged him, and he later trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
His career went on to span more than six decades. Away from performing, he also supported human rights, refugees and survivors of domestic violence.
Stewart leaves his wife, Sunny Ozell, and two children, Daniel and Sophie. He had both children during his first marriage to choreographer Sheila Falconer.
