Patrick Stewart, Star Trek and X-Men star, dies at 86

British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek series and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86. His death was announced on his Instagram account on Thursday evening, according to the BBC.

According to the BBC, Stewart passed away on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He is survived by his wife, Sunny, and his two children, Daniel and Sophie.

Born in Yorkshire in 1940, Stewart began his acting career as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company before making appearances on Broadway. Over his career, which spanned more than six decades, he achieved considerable success in theatre, film and television.

He became internationally renowned for his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the science-fiction series Star Trek. In the X-Men films, he played Professor Charles Xavier. He also appeared in productions such as Logan and The Avengers.

Stewart was cast as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987, a role that brought him worldwide fame. In recognition of his contribution to the performing arts, he was knighted in 2010.

Throughout his career, Stewart also appeared in film and television adaptations of several classic literary works. In 1984, he featured in the film adaptation of Dune, while in 1998 he portrayed Captain Ahab in the television adaptation of Moby-Dick, earning a Golden Globe nomination for his performance.

In addition to his work on screen and stage, Stewart also lent his voice to animated films, including The Prince of Egypt.

(MTI)