Patrick Stewart Dies at 86
The Star Trek and X-Men actor passed away in Los Angeles after a short illness, prompting tributes from former co-stars and studio heads.
By Harper Collins ·
Patrick Stewart has died.
The actor, best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, was 86 when he passed away. His family announced the news on Thursday, stating that Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday. They described his final days as a "brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Tributes began appearing immediately on social media and through studio channels. Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, recalled his first experience working with Stewart on the original X-Men movie in 2000. Feige said he was in awe of the actor after years of knowing him only as Captain Picard. He described Stewart as brilliant, charming, and warm, noting that the actor possessed a quiet strength and gravitas off camera that matched his on-screen presence. Feige called Stewart a mentor to many and said his legacy would endure through his work and the people he taught.
Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment posted a joint tribute on Instagram on Thursday. The post acknowledged the sadness felt across the studio and praised Stewart for bringing grace and humanity to the role of Xavier. It noted that he will appear in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled for release in theaters on December 18. The statement extended condolences to his wife, Sunny Ozell, and their children, as well as to fans worldwide.
Former co-stars also shared their memories. Wil Wheaton, who played Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation, posted a photo of himself with Stewart and the caption, "Godspeed, Captain." Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander William Riker, shared a photo on his Instagram Story with the message, "Rest in peace my friend." Terry Matalas, who served as showrunner for the final season of Star Trek: Picard, shared a smiling photo of Stewart and wrote, "Oh Captain, my Captain. This is how I’ll always remember you."
William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, shared a photo of the two actors together. The two first met on screen in the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations. Shatner called Stewart a friend and a magnificent actor, stating that he brought intelligence and a deep sense of humanity to his roles. He added that Stewart represented the best of the franchise.
Stewart’s wife, Sunny Ozell, and their children were named in the family’s announcement. The actor’s death marks the end of a career that spanned stage, television, and film over several decades.
