Patrick Stewart, Star Trek and X-Men Star, Dies at Home in Los Angeles at 86
British actor Patrick Stewart, known from Star Trek and the X-Men films, has died at the age of 86. He most recently suffered from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
British actor Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86. The performer, who became famous as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek and as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, reportedly died at his home in Los Angeles. He had previously struggled for a short time with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
The news of the actor's death spread quickly. Italian media reported that Stewart died at his home on Wednesday. The illness he suffered from had shaped his final years of life. The reports describe his journey with the disease as a painful chapter, one he eventually addressed publicly.
For decades, Stewart defined the image of the British character actor. His role as Captain Picard made him an icon of the science fiction television series Star Trek, which brought him worldwide recognition. As Charles Xavier, he portrayed one of the central figures of the superhero genre in the X-Men films. Both roles connected him with audiences far beyond Great Britain.
The case has also drawn attention because Stewart openly discussed his illness. The reports of his death emphasize the severity of the diagnosis that accompanied him over several years. His family and colleagues were not quoted in detail in the reports, so the account of his passing is based on the published information about his death.
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