Patrick Stewart, 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men' star, dead at 86

Patrick Stewart at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2021. Rich Fury/Getty Images Legendary actor Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in the "Star Trek" franchise and "X-Men" films, has died at age 86.A post on his official Instagram page announced Steward died at his Los Angeles home Wednesday "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," the post continued. "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial contributions be made to Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer's Foundation of America Caregiver Resources. Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." CBS via Getty Images Born on July 13, 1940 in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, Stewart became interested in acting at age 12, when an English teacher introduced him to William Shakespeare's writing. Stewart started participating in theater productions and left home at the age of 17 to go to drama school.The actor appeared on a variety of TV shows beginning in the '60s, but his big break came when he landed the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on the series "Star Trek: The Next Generation."The sci-fi show lasted for seven seasons between 1987 and 1994. Stewart also reprised his role for an episode of the show "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as well as four movies in the franchise: "Star Trek Generations" (1994), "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), "Star Trek: Insurrection" (1998), and "Star Trek: Nemesis" (2002). He also did voice work for "Star Trek" video games. Stewart would go on to star in another popular franchise, Marvel's "X-Men," making his debut as Professor Charles Xavier, a mutant and founder of the X-Men, in the 2000 movie "X-Men." The film also starred Ian McKellen as the powerful mutant Magneto. Stewart as Charles Xavier in "X-Men." Twentieth Century Fox The two actors became close friends in real life, despite playing on-screen rivals, with McKellen officiating Stewart's wedding to singer Sunny Ozell in Reno, Nevada in 2013. Stewart portrayed Charles Xavier in several more "X-Men" films, and reprised the role for the forthcoming MCU film "Avengers: Doomsday," out this December.Stewart's most recent roles included voice work for the animated series "American Dad!" and in the 2026 movie "The Sheep Detectives." He also reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard from 2020 to 2023 in the Star Trek series, "Star Trek: Picard."Stewart is survived by Ozell and his two children, Daniel Stewart and Sophia Stewart, from his first marriage to Sheila Falconer.This is a developing story. More to come… Read next Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know Olivia was a senior entertainment reporter for Business Insider. 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