Actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86 after battle with dementia

Sir Patrick Stewart, the British actor famous for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died. He was 86 years old. His representative announced the news on Thursday.

Kelly Bush Novak, Stewart's longtime spokesperson, shared a statement on social media. She said Stewart died in the care of his wife, Sunny. The statement described his final days as a "brief and poignant journey" marked by Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

Novak noted that Stewart was surrounded by family, friends, and live music at the end. The statement called for reflection on the "peaceful ease" visible on his face. It described his demeanor as an enduring reminder of his grace.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines it as a progressive condition that leads to the loss of memory, problem-solving skills, and thinking abilities. The disease begins with mild memory loss and currently has no cure.

Lewy body dementia is a distinct type of dementia. According to the CDC, it can cause complications affecting movement, behavior, thinking, and mood. It is not currently known when Stewart received diagnoses for either condition.

Stewart’s career spanned several decades of television and film. His roles in major franchises made him a recognizable figure in global entertainment. He worked in theater, film, and television throughout his professional life.