Legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for Star Trek and X-Men has died.
Legendary Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for Star Trek and X-Men has died, aged 86.
He died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday after suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, his Instagram account announced.
“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise,” the statement read. “His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties. He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role — in his art and life.”
In a career that spanned six decades, Sir Patrick won multiple Emmys and Golden Globes, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
Stewart played Picard throughout the 1987-1994 run of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and then in the features Star Trek: Generations (in which he appeared with William Shatner), Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis. He played Professor Xavier in X-Men, X-Men 2, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine and X-Men: Days of Future Past. He is also due to reprise his role as Professor Charles Xavier, from the X-Men films, in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday releasing in December.
His other film credits include Excalibur, Dune, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Jeffrey, Conspiracy Theory, A Christmas Carol, Green Room, The Kid Who Would Be King, The Prince of Egypt, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, and Ted.
TV credits also include I Claudius, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Moby Dick, Frasier, Extras, Blunt Talk, Hamlet, and Bait. He did voicework on The Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad amongst others.
Young Patrick’s love of drama came at school when one of his teachers introduced him to Shakespeare and encouraged him to perform.
His first public performance was in a local church production of Cinderella.
He left school at 15 and eventually got a job as a reporter and obituary writer on the Dewsbury Reporter.
He also threw himself enthusiastically into the flourishing local theatre. “I used to recite Shakespeare from memory,” he said. “I just learned all these big speeches.”
William Shatner, just days after the death of Walter Koenig, said, “What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.”
George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in Star Trek, has also paid tribute to his former co-star.
“Fans across the world mourn the passing of a true and irreplaceable legend,” he writes on Instagram.
“As Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart took the starship Enterprise to places it had never gone before, and he inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers who looked longingly ahead to a brighter future for all humanity.”
“Our hearts are heavy, indeed. Rest in the heavens, Captain.”
Hugh Jackman has paid tribute to his former X-Men co-star, describing Sir Patrick Stewart as a “tremendous friend and man”.
The actor says in a post on Instagram: “We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today.”
“I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days,” he adds.
Marvel posted on X shortly after the news of Sir Patrick’s death was confirmed.
“All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from X-Men to Logan to Avengers: Doomsday.
“He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman. Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”
The Royal Shakespeare Company has described the late Patrick Stewart as “a colossus of both stage and screen”.
Remembering him as “one of the finest classical Shakespearean actors of his generation”, the company says his contribution to it is “beyond measure”.
He says: “Despite being one of the most recognisable Shakespearean performers in the world, Sir Patrick remained deeply connected to Stratford-upon-Avon and the RSC throughout his career.”
His Instagram post today finishes with a quote from his memoir: “Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.”
This post updates.