Sir Patrick Stewart, famous for playing Marvel Studios' telepathic X-Men founder Charles "Professor X" Xavier, has died. He was 86.
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According to a post on his X account, Stewart died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles following "a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia."
The acclaimed British actor was a staple in the "Star Trek" franchise, appearing in four feature films as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
He was also a longtime fixture in the X-Men cinematic universe.
Stewart appeared in nine live-action feature films as the iconic X-Men character Professor X. He recently reprised the role in the forthcoming movie Avengers: Doomsday, which releases December 18.
Sir Patrick Stewart Honored by Family in Heartfelt Statement
His family released a statement in the wake of his death.
"We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, 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. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."
The statement continued, "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. [He] 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.
"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."
Stewart won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Spoken Word Album For Children.
He also boasts two Laurence Olivier Award wins.
