Los Angeles, 30 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Renowned British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his distinguished Shakespearean performances and iconic roles in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men film franchise, has died at the age of 86. Stewart passed away at his home in Los Angeles, according to a statement shared on his official social media account. The statement said he died in the care of his wife, Sunny, following a brief illness involving Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Stewart began his acting career at the age of 18 and earned recognition through his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s. However, international fame came when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation at the age of 47. The series ran from 1987 to 1994, and Stewart later reprised the role in several films and the streaming series Star Trek: Picard. His memorable portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men movies, beginning with the franchise’s first film in 2000, further cemented his place in global entertainment. Despite initially having reservations about accepting both science-fiction roles, Stewart became an integral part of two major entertainment franchises and won admiration from audiences worldwide. In recognition of his services to drama, Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2010. His remarkable career, spanning theatre, television and cinema, leaves behind an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.