NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 29, 2026San Diego County
Renowned stage and screen actor Patrick Stewart passes away at 86
Photo: KPBS Public Media
Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed stage actor renowned for his roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company, "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and the "X-Men" film franchise, has died at age 86 in Los Angeles following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The death marks the passing of a prominent figure in modern theater and science fiction television who spent decades shaping iconic roles on both stage and screen.
Key Facts
- Patrick Stewart died at age 86 in Los Angeles following a brief journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
- His death was announced by spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak.
- He spent more of his career onstage performing in theatrical productions than in film or television.
- His production of Macbeth debuted at England's Chichester Festival Theatre in May 2007, moved to the West End and Brooklyn Academy of Music, and transferred to Broadway in 2008.
- The Macbeth performance earned him his sole Tony Award nomination.
- He was raised in Mirfield, Yorkshire, and joined an amateur drama group at age 12 before attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
- He experienced hair loss from alopecia beginning at age 19.
- He spent 14 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company playing various classical roles.
- He starred as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which ran for seven years and 178 episodes across four feature films.
- He played Professor Charles Xavier across multiple films in the "X-Men" franchise.
- He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2010.
- He married Brooklyn songwriter and singer Sunny Ozell in 2013, with Ian McKellen officiating.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationThe New York Times“Newspaper that reviewed Stewart's performance in Macbeth.”PersonCindy Crawford“Supermodel who appeared on a TV Guide cover with Stewart.”OrganizationRefuge“Organization providing shelter for domestic abuse victims, for which Stewart bec”PersonTrevor“Patrick Stewart's older brother.”locationHollywood“Location where Stewart shot his syndicated science fiction series.”OrganizationRoyal Shakespeare Company“Theater company where Stewart spent 14 years.”PersonDaniel“Patrick Stewart's son.”OrganizationBristol Old Vic Theatre School“Drama school attended by Stewart on a scholarship.”PersonPatrick Stewart“Subject of the obituary and news article detailing his life and career.”OrganizationBrooklyn Academy of Music“Venue that hosted the Macbeth production.”PersonSunny Ozell“Songwriter and singer who married Patrick Stewart in 2013.”PersonKelly Bush Novak“Spokesperson who announced the cause and location of death.”OrganizationBritish Army“Branch where Stewart's father served as a regimental sergeant major.”OrganizationThe Times of London“Newspaper that reviewed Stewart's performance in Macbeth.”OrganizationThe Daily Telegraph“Newspaper that reviewed Stewart's performance in Macbeth.”locationMirfield“Town in Yorkshire where Stewart was raised.”PersonSamuel Beckett“Playwright of "Waiting for Godot".”PersonSeth MacFarlane“Creator of the show "Blunt Talk".”locationLos Angeles“City where Patrick Stewart died.”locationBrooklyn“Location of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.”locationYorkshire“Region in northern England.”PersonIan McKellen“Actor who performed in repertoire with Stewart and officiated his wedding.”OrganizationThe Associated Press“News agency that interviewed Stewart in 2008.”OrganizationParamount Shakespeare Company“Workshop established by Stewart for interested actors.”PersonQueen Elizabeth II“Knighted Patrick Stewart in June 2010.”PersonSophia“Patrick Stewart's daughter.”OrganizationInternational Rescue Committee“Organization for which Stewart served as an ambassador.”locationEngland“Country where the Chichester Festival Theatre and West End are located.”PersonRupert Goold“Director of the Macbeth production starring Patrick Stewart.”OrganizationChichester Festival Theatre“Theater where the Macbeth production debuted in 2007.”PersonHarold Pinter“Playwright of "No Man's Land".”