Patrick Stewart dead at 86 as Star Trek and Marvel co-stars mourn
Tributes poured in from William Shatner, Kevin Feige and his longtime castmates after the British acting legend passed away at his Los Angeles home.
British stage and screen actor Sir Patrick Stewart, celebrated worldwide for his defining roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek franchise and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at age 86. His spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, confirmed his death on Thursday, October 29, in an official statement reported by CBC News and CBS News.
Stewart passed away on Wednesday, October 28, at his home in Los Angeles following a brief illness with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His wife, musician Sunny Ozell, was at his side. He is survived by Ozell and his two children from his first marriage, Daniel and Sophia.
“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,” Novak said in the family statement.
“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,” the statement continued. “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
One final Marvel appearance
Before his passing, Stewart completed filming for his return as Professor Charles Xavier in the Marvel Studios film “Avengers: Doomsday,” according to Variety. The movie is scheduled to premiere in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Hollywood co-stars share tributes
Tributes began pouring in immediately from across the industry. Australian actor Hugh Jackman, who starred alongside Stewart across multiple X-Men films beginning in 2000, honored his longtime friend 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,” Jackman wrote.
Fellow Star Trek veteran William Shatner shared his condolences on Facebook and X, noting that Stewart’s death came in the same week as original cast member Walter Koenig, who died at age 90, as reported by The Independent.
“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,” Shatner wrote.
Marvel Studios and its president, Kevin Feige, praised Stewart in a statement as a “singular talent, generous collaborator, and true gentleman” who established Professor X for generations of comic book fans. Other Star Trek alumni shared their respect online: George Takei wrote on Bluesky that fans mourn a legend who “inspired a whole next generation of star-gazers,” Jonathan Frakes posted “Rest in peace, my friend,” and Wil Wheaton shared “Godspeed, Captain.” Collaborator Seth MacFarlane also commended Stewart’s rare talent and humility.
A legendary stage and screen legacy
Stewart rose to international stardom as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” from 1987 to 1994. He continued the role in four feature films between 1994 and 2002, later returning for three seasons of “Star Trek: Picard” from 2020 to 2023.
He first debuted as Marvel’s telepathic mentor Professor Charles Xavier in 2000’s “X-Men,” going on to portray the character in sequels including 2017’s “Logan” and 2022’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” In 2023, Stewart chronicled his life on stage and screen in his bestselling memoir, “Making It So: A Memoir.”
Stewart’s family requested that donations in his honor be directed to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources. Details regarding private funeral plans or a potential public memorial service have not been announced.
