British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, known worldwide as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the science-fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86. The actor died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, United States. His death was confirmed by his spokesperson on Thursday.
According to news agency Reuters, Stewart died in the presence of his wife Sunny Ozell. During the final period of his life, the actor had Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, two conditions that affect the brain.
His longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak announced the death in a statement that was also shared through the actor’s social media. According to the statement, Stewart was surrounded by family and friends in the final stage of his life.
World-famous as Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Patrick Stewart gained international recognition for his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The television series began in 1987 and ran for seven seasons.
His character, the commander of the USS Enterprise spacecraft, became one of the best-known figures within the Star Trek franchise. Stewart subsequently portrayed Picard in several feature films and returned decades later in the television series Star Trek: Picard.
With his distinctive voice and authoritative presence, he shaped a character known for his diplomatic approach, intellect and moral convictions.
Also successful as Professor X in X-Men
In addition to his work in Star Trek, Stewart became known to a new generation of cinema-goers as Professor Charles Xavier, also known as Professor X, in the popular X-Men film series.
He first played the telepathic leader of the mutants in the 2000 film X-Men. The role became an important part of his film career.
Stewart played the character in several sequels, including X2, X-Men: The Last Stand and Logan. He also appeared as Charles Xavier in 2022’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
An impressive theatre career
Long before Stewart gained international recognition through television and film, he had already built an extensive career as a stage actor.
For years, he was affiliated with the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company and played a variety of roles in classic plays by William Shakespeare.
His theatre background remained an important part of his work throughout his career. Even after becoming world-famous, he continued to perform regularly on stage.
Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his services to the performing arts.
According to Associated Press, his career spanned decades of theatre, television and film productions.
Actor leaves behind a major cultural legacy
Patrick Stewart was born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, England. He became one of the most internationally recognised British actors of his generation.
In addition to his acting work, he advocated, among other causes, for victims of domestic violence. He spoke publicly about his own childhood experiences of violence within the family.
The actor is survived by his wife Sunny Ozell and two children.
With his death, the international film and television world loses an actor who reached generations of viewers, both through his classical stage roles and his performances in two of the best-known science-fiction franchises.
CBS News and The Guardian have also confirmed his death.
