Patrick Stewart, star of Star Trek and X-Men, has died at 86. Here is what his family said and how Hollywood is remembering him.

Patrick Stewart, best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier, has passed away aged 86 at his Los Angeles home.

Sir Patrick Stewart passed away on October 28, 2026 following a fight with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak confirmed the news on Thursday, October 29. Marvel, his Star Trek co-stars and the Royal Shakespeare Company have all paid tribute.

How did Patrick Stewart pass?

His spokesperson said Stewart had "passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife Sunny after a short but poignant battle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia".

He leaves behind his wife Sunny Ozell, a singer from America who he wed in 2013, as well as his son, actor Daniel Stewart and daughter Sophie.

What are Hollywood and Star Trek stars saying?

Messages poured in within hours.

"From our first meeting on the set of X-Men, Patrick was brilliant, charming, kind, generous and full of quiet strength and dignity," said Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige. Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine alongside Stewart said "You’ll be missed Patrick Stewart."

The Star Trek family also paid tribute. "A friend, a colleague and an incredible actor," said William Shatner. Wil Wheaton and Jonathan Frakes also said goodbye.

What did Patrick Stewart do?

Stewart began his career with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 and remained with them until 1982. He appeared in plays such as Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice and Henry IV. He became famous for playing Picard on TV and Xavier in films.

He didn’t really slow down in his 80s. In an interview in June with TV Insider he said he cannot "imagine doing an official retirement".

What happens now?

He will appear as Xavier in Avengers: Doomsday, which hits cinema screens on December 18. This is his last film, according to Variety. Flowers will be laid at his star by Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez.

Did You Know?

Stewart was born in Mirfield, England to a textile worker and military veteran.

Stewart started his career at Manchester’s Library Theatre before joining the RSC in 1966.

He played Xavier in over half a dozen X-Men films.

In an interview with CBS Mornings in 2023 he said he was initially rejected by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. However, other producers persuaded him to cast Stewart.

He was knighted in 2010.

Joe and Anthony Russo, who are directing Avengers: Doomsday said "He was a legendary actor and one with a unique presence."

The RSC said he was an Honorary Associate Artist. They said he was "a colossus of stage and screen."

Stewart has spent the last six decades bouncing between Shakespeare and starships and it shows how many people he touched with his work.

Business Fortune mourns the legendary actor. He makes his final appearance on screen on December 18.

FAQs

When did Patrick Stewart pass away?

He died on Wednesday October 28, 2026. This was confirmed by his spokesperson the following day.

How old was Patrick Stewart?

He was 86 years old.

What did Patrick Stewart die from?

His spokesperson said he died following a short illness with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

What was Patrick Stewart best known for?

He is best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard. He also played Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films.

Is Patrick Stewart appearing in Avengers: Doomsday?

Yes. He will play Charles Xavier in the film, which will be released on December 18.

Sources

ABC News · CBS News · Deadline · TIME · Variety · Today · Playbill · CNN