Sir Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, has passed away at 86 after battling Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia. The actor died peacefully at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones. His family has requested donations to Alzheimer's research in his memory.
Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed British actor best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor X in the X-Men franchise, has died at the age of 86, leaving a remarkable career spanning six decades.
The actor passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home on October 28, following a battle with Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Alzheimer's disease.
On Thursday, October 29, his death was confirmed by a statement on his official Instagram account.
“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," it read.
Stewart's family has requested that instead of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.
Of the many actors who paid tribute to Stewart upon his death was his X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman, who responded to his passing through a post on Instagram.
"We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today. And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days," it read.