Storied English actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86, his family announced on social media Thursday.
The veteran thespian, whose six-decade career spanned film, stage and television, died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home following what his family described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
The statement continued, “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. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” films, Stewart began his acting career as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966.
“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre,” the statement announcing his death read. “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.”
Knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 2010 for his contributions to the dramatic arts, Stewart’s “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,” his family wrote.
“He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan,” the statement continued. “He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role — in his art and life.”
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