Sir Patrick Stewart, 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men' star, dies at 86
The British actor died at home in Los Angeles following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
By Matthew Collins ·
Sir Patrick Stewart, a British stage and screen actor known for commanding roles in major science fiction franchises, died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 86 years old.
According to posts on his Facebook and Instagram pages, Stewart died at his home after a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia."
Stewart began his career in theater, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 and making his Broadway debut in 1970 in A Midsummer Night's Dream. He described the stage as a place where he felt at home, despite a difficult childhood in Yorkshire, England, where he recalled an alcoholic and abusive father.
His transition to television occurred while he was lecturing on Shakespeare at UCLA. Producers for the new series Star Trek: The Next Generation cast him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Fellow actor Ian McKellen advised him to stay on stage, but Stewart accepted the role on the advice of his agent, who predicted the show would not last long. He later recalled thinking he was taking a quick job to make money and gain exposure.
The series became a hit, airing for seven seasons from 1987 to 1994. Stewart became widely recognized for his portrayal of Picard, a character defined by cool leadership and signature lines such as "Engage!" and "Make it so!" The role limited his opportunities in Shakespearean theater, though he performed in an award-winning one-man version of A Christmas Carol, playing more than 40 roles.
Stewart expanded his film career in the early 2000s, joining the X-Men franchise as Professor Charles Xavier. He is set to appear in the role one final time in the upcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday. He also returned to television in 2020 with Star Trek: Picard, which streamed on Paramount+. Writer Michael Chabon, who helped create the series, said it was incredible to write words for Stewart to speak.
In Star Trek: Picard, the character deals with the psychological effects of leaving Starfleet. Stewart portrayed the older Picard as weary and haunted, yet joyful, contrasting with his earlier, more optimistic portrayal.
Source: WUFT
