Acting legend Sir Patrick Stewart dies, aged 86

Acting great Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86, his family has announced.

The Star Trek: Next Generation and X-Men star had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia in his final years, a statement revealed, and died in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

A post on his Instagram account said: “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.

“A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television.”

Paying tribute to his memorable portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier, Marvel Studios said: ““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.”

Fellow Star Trek legend William Shatner 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.”

Huddersfield Town, Stewart’s life-long football team, said: “All at Huddersfield Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.

“A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on. Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own. Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”

Last year Stewart reprised his role as Xavier for the highly-anticipated Avengers: Doomsday, which is due for release on December 18 and will now mark his final acting credit.

Stewart is survived by third wife Sunny and two children.