Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed British actor best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86.
Stewart passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His family confirmed his death, saying he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones at his home in Los Angeles.
Born July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, Stewart began his acting career in theater and became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company during the 1960s. His extensive stage work established him as one of Britain’s most respected classical actors before he found international fame on television.
In 1987, Stewart took command of the USS Enterprise-D as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a role he portrayed throughout the series’ seven-season run and in several feature films. He later returned to the character in Star Trek: Picard, which concluded in 2023.
Stewart introduced himself to another generation of moviegoers in 2000 when he portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in the original X-Men film. He would reprise the role numerous times, including in X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, Days of Future Past, Logan, and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Beyond his two most recognizable franchises, Stewart enjoyed an accomplished career in theater, film, television, and voice acting. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his services to drama.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children from his first marriage.
Smith’s Sentiment: I’ve always enjoyed Patrick Stewart’s work, especially as Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Xavier in the X-Men movies. In fact, we enjoy The Next Generation so much around here that it’s the inspiration behind our running WWF The NXT Generation joke. He was a tremendous actor who brought something special to both characters, and he’ll certainly be missed. Theia will have a proper In Memoriam for him later here on the site.
Rest in peace, Sir Patrick Stewart.
