Legendary ‘Star Trek’, ‘X-Men’ actor Patrick Stewart dies of Alzheimer’s

Los Angeles, US, Oct 29 (EFE).- British actor Patrick Stewart, 86, known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the “Star Trek” universe and Professor Charles Xavier in “X-Men,” died in Los Angeles after a brief battle with Alzheimer’s and dementia, his family announced Thursday on the actor’s social media accounts.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 added.

Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, England, West Yorkshire, he brought the legendary Captain Jean-Luc Picard to the big screen in the famous “Star Trek” film.

Previously, Stewart portrayed the character in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987–1994).

He also portrayed Professor X in the blockbuster “X-Men” franchise, a role he reprised in “Avengers: Doomsday,” set to premiere in December.

Despite his fame from ‘Star Trek,’ the actor continued his theater work while the series was airing, playing George in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ at the Young Vic in 1987.

Stewart was in amateur theatre from a young age and left school at 15.

He started working in TV and film in the 70s and 80s, with one of his first roles being in Excalibur, John Boorman’s 1981 film about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

He is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his children, Sophie and Daniel Stewart. EFEmvg/lmcd