Stewart was knighted in 2010 by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Sir Patrick Stewart, the veteran English actor celebrated for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has passed away at the age of 86.
His death was confirmed on Thursday, October 29, via a statement shared on his official Instagram account.
According to the now-viral post, Stewart passed away on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family and friends and cared for by his wife, Sunny.
His final moments were also described as peaceful, accompanied by live music, prayers, tears, and laughter.
“We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles,” the statement partly read.
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Mourning the late actor, Wil Wheaton, who starred alongside Stewart in Star Trek: The Next Generation, said the popular thespian brought “a wonderful kind of tone” to the cast.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonight programme, the actor who played Wesley Crusher said: “Patrick, like the rest of the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation, treated me with more love, more unconditional love, more support, and more kindness than my parents.”
Born on July 13, 1940, Stewart became globally known for his portrayal of Picard and Professor Xavier.
He also built a distinguished classical theatre career, including extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
With a career spanning over 60 years on stage and screen, he received various accolades, including two Laurence Olivier Awards and a Grammy Award, as well as nominations for a Tony Award, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama in 2010.
