
Renowned British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, one of the most prominent figures in cinema, television and theatre, has passed away at the age of 86.
The news was made public tonight through an announcement on his account on the X platform.
According to the announcement, Stewart passed away on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, after a short period of battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, two neurodegenerative diseases that affect memory and cognitive functions.
Internationally known for his portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the series "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Stewart became one of the most beloved faces of the science fiction universe.
Picard's character, characterized by calm, authority, and principled leadership, remained one of the most representative roles of his career.
The actor also played him in several films of the "Star Trek" saga and later in the series "Star Trek: Picard".
For another generation of viewers, Stewart was Professor Charles Xavier, the founder and leader of the mutants in the "X-Men" films.
He played this character in several of the series' popular films, including "X-Men", "X2", "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "Logan", becoming one of the most recognizable figures in superhero films.
A career beyond Hollywood
Although world fame came to him through television and cinema, Stewart had built a long career in theater, where he particularly stood out for his interpretations of classical works.
His stage experience and characteristic voice became important elements of his artistic identity, giving him the opportunity to interpret various characters, from historical dramas to science fiction productions.
On the big screen, he also appeared in the 1984 film "Dune," 1997's "Conspiracy Theory," 2015's "Green Room," and 2019's "Charlie's Angels."
Stewart also played Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1999 television adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," while also appearing in other productions such as "Moby Dick," "The Canterville Ghost" and "CODA."
In addition to acting, he was known for his work as a voice actor, contributing to animated films and television series, including "The Emoji Movie" and "American Dad!".
Knighted for his contribution to dramatic art, Stewart remained active in the entertainment industry for decades, moving from the British theatre scene to some of Hollywood's most popular productions.