Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died aged 86.
Sir Patrick was best known for appearing and leading in the X-Men film series and the Star Trek franchise.
The late actor's passing was confirmed by his longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak in a statement, who confirmed he died Wednesday (October 28) at his home in Los Angeles following “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia".
Sir Patrick Stewart dies aged 86
The full statement reads: "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.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Sir Patrick grew up in Mirfield in West Yorkshire and would often share that his family lived in poor conditions and under the ruling of his father whom he described as a “very potent individual” in 2008.
The actor campaigned for help and support for those who have faced domestic violence after Sir Patrick shared that he and his mother were victims of it from his father.
When he began school, the actor discovered the works of Shakespeare thanks to his English teacher Cecil Dormand.
Sir Patrick began to study drama at a local school where he became friends with fellow actor Brian Blessed.
After leaving school, the actor began working at a local newspaper to help support his hopes of becoming a stage actor.
Sir Patrick and Blessed later received grants to attend Bristol Old Vic Theatre School which saw him later join the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 1967, Sir Patrick made his TV debut, appearing in ITV’s Coronation Street as a fire officer before starring in the likes of Hamlet and Civilisation.
Over time the actor began to get more work, eventually heading to New York to make his Broadway debut in 1970 with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Over time Sir Patrick became a household name from his work in many major television series like I, Claudius, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, North and South and Smiley’s People.
Sir Patrick then took the step to film, landing roles in 1984’s Dune, Lady Jane, Lifeforce and in the Hollywood revival of Star Trek.
He later starred in the Marvel film franchise X-Men along with close friend Ian McKellen.
Sir Patrick is due to appear in the new Avengers film, Doomsday, alongside the star, coming out in December.
Over his career, he received various accolades, including two Olivier Awards and a Grammy Award, as well as nominations for a Tony Award, three Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to drama in 2010.
Sir Patrick is survived by his wife Sunny Ozell and his two children.
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