Patrick Stewart, Star Trek & X-Men Star, Dies At 86

Faye's Vision/Cover Images Published Oct 29, 2026, 3:47 PM EDT Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour. Sign in to your ScreenRant account This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.After an iconic 67-year career, Patrick Stewart leaves behind a legacy with his death. The acclaimed actor is best known for his involvement in two major pop culture franchises: Star Trek and Marvel. In 1987, he debuted what would become the fan-favorite character Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Thirteen years later, he brought Professor Charles Xavier to life on the big screen opposite Hugh Jackman's Wolverine in X-Men, a role he's posthumously reprising for Avengers: Doomsday, which was filmed last year. Over a year after stepping back into Xavier's shoes, it's just been announced that Stewart has died at the age of 86 in his Los Angeles home. At the time of this writing, no cause of death has been reported regarding the late star's passing. The tragic news was revealed on Stewart's official X account, which said that the actor passed away "in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia." The post also included a quote from Stewart's memoir, Making It So, in which he said that he shared a particular connection to his Star Trek character, Jean-Luc Picard, because they both have "lived an unusual life" taking them "far beyond the bounds of normal human experience" while remaining "true to his earthbound roots." Stewart's family encouraged everyone to send memorial contributions to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Caregiver Resources, in lieu of flowers. Marvel Studios also released a statement expressing their sadness at Stewart's passing. "Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans," they said, adding that he was a "singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman." Stewart was born in 1940 in the West Riding of Yorkshire and studied drama in school but dropped out. He got involved in theatre productions and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. Stewart moved to the United States and performed on Broadway in A Midsummer Night's Dream before transitioning into TV and film. The late 1980s saw the actor's career skyrocket when he was cast on Star Trek: The Next Generation, which was Paramount's successful attempt at reviving the sci-fi franchise on the small screen. The Next Generation aired for seven seasons and became one of the most beloved Star Trek shows ever. After the series ended in 1994, Stewart returned as Picard for the films Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis. When Paramount created the streaming service CBS All Access (later renamed Paramount+), Star Trek was revived yet again, first with Star Trek: Discovery, which featured brand-new characters. Then The Next Generation was revisited with the three-season spinoff Star Trek: Picard, which centered on the titular character in his retirement years, with new adventures and dangers around every corner. More to come...