Tributes have been pouring in since the devastating news that Sir Patrick Stewart has passed away at the age of 86 was confirmed last night.
The legendary Star Trek and X-Men star reportedly died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
A statement from his rep reads:
“We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Stewart was already an established stage and screen actor before landing the role he would become synonymous with for decades, Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. In 2000, he joined 20th Century Fox's X-Men franchise as Professor Charles Xavier, and will return as the mutant hero in this year's Avengers: Doomsday (Marvel has confirmed that this will be his final on-screen performance).
Stewart was a three-time Olivier Award winner and a Tony Award nominee for his stage work, and received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award nominations for his appearances across television and film.
“Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience,” Stewart wrote in his 2023 memoir, Making It So. “But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.”
Our thoughts go out to Sir Patrick's friends and family during this very difficult time.