Patrick Stewart of ‘X-Men’ and ‘Star Trek’ dies at 86

British actor Patrick Stewart won the love of audiences worldwide by playing both Professor Charles Xavier in Hollywood’s popular ‘X-Men’ film series and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the science fiction series ‘Star Trek’. He acted on stage, in films and on television for more than six decades. The actor has died at the age of 86.

Patrick Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles, United States, earlier this week. His death was confirmed in a statement published the day before yesterday on his social media account. The family said he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His wife, Sunny Ozell, was by his side in his final days. His last days were spent amid the love of family and close friends, with music, prayer, laughter and tears.

Patrick Stewart was born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, in 1940. Raised in an ordinary family, he developed an interest in acting in childhood. The plays of William Shakespeare in particular attracted him. He later trained as an actor and joined the renowned Royal Shakespeare Company of Britain. After acting on stage for a long time, he established himself as a skilled actor.

Global fame through ‘Star Trek’

Although he had made his name on stage, Patrick Stewart gained wide recognition with international audiences at a comparatively mature age. In 1987 he played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the television series ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. He was 47 years old at the time.

The seven-season series, which ran until 1994, brought Stewart popularity across the world. His deep voice, distinctive way of delivering dialogue and commanding performance made the character of Picard memorable to audiences. He later played the same character in several films of the ‘Star Trek’ franchise. He returned to the familiar role in the series ‘Star Trek: Picard’, which aired from 2020 to 2023.

Unique as Professor X too

Among newer generations of film lovers, Patrick Stewart is especially known as Professor Charles Xavier in the ‘X-Men’ series. He played the character in the first ‘X-Men’ film, released in 2000. In the story of mutants with superhuman powers, Professor X was one of the most important characters. In his performance, the character took on a distinctive form of wisdom, empathy and resolve.

He later appeared in several more films of the ‘X-Men’ series. He also acted in the film ‘Logan’, released in 2017. He was also reported to be set to appear in Marvel’s upcoming film ‘Avengers: Doomsday’.

Stewart also acted in David Lynch’s film ‘Dune’, in which he was seen as the weapons instructor Gurney Halleck. Through these varied roles, he cemented his place among audiences generation after generation.

Knighthood from the Shakespearean stage

Alongside popular films and television series, Patrick Stewart was also especially admired for his acting in Shakespeare’s plays. His acting career stretched from the British stage to Broadway. He won critical praise for performing in various Shakespeare plays. His stage experience further enriched his acting on screen.

In recognition of his contribution to the world of acting, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain conferred a knighthood on him in 2010. Since then, ‘Sir’ has been added before his name.

Tributes from colleagues

His longtime colleagues and Hollywood stars have expressed grief at the death of Patrick Stewart. ‘Star Trek’ actor William Shatner recalled Stewart’s wisdom, courtesy and humanity. His ‘X-Men’ co-star Hugh Jackman paid tribute to him as one of the finest performers of stage and screen. Marvel Studios also expressed deep sorrow at his death.

Beyond acting, Patrick Stewart was involved in various social and humanitarian activities. He worked for human rights, the protection of victims of domestic violence, refugee rights and animal welfare.

In his personal life, besides his wife Sunny Ozell, the actor leaves behind two children from an earlier marriage, Daniel and Sophie.

From the stage of Shakespeare’s plays to captain of a starship and teacher of superhumans, Patrick Stewart proved through his varied roles that an actor’s talent is not confined to one medium or one character. Perhaps the greatest achievement of his long career is this: he remained equally relevant to audiences of different generations.