Legendary British actor Patrick Stewart, whose performances in “Star Trek” and “X-Men” made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, has died at the age of 86.
According to The Associated Press, Stewart died Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Los Angeles following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
His spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak, confirmed his death. A statement shared on Stewart’s social media accounts described his final moments surrounded by “family and friends,” along with “live music, prayer, laughter and tears.”
Stewart became a household name portraying Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” franchise. However, his career stretched far beyond the screen.
The acclaimed actor spent decades performing Shakespearean theater, including 14 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. According to the AP, Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contributions to drama.
Stewart spoke openly about his personal spiritual beliefs and questions surrounding life after death. In a 2020 interview with Square Mile, Stewart explained that he did not consider himself religious.
“I’m not a person of faith,” he said.
At the time, Stewart also rejected the idea of an afterlife.
“This is what we get. That’s it,” he said.
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During a 2023 NPR interview, Stewart shared a more reflective perspective on spiritual matters.
Discussing experiences he considered supernatural, including sensing spiritual presences and hearing his deceased mother’s voice, Stewart acknowledged his belief in something beyond humanity.
“Bigger than us — yes. I believe in presence,” Stewart said.
When asked about the possibility of an afterlife, Stewart admitted he did not know what happens after death but expressed a deep feeling that existence extends beyond this earthly life.
“I don’t know what happens, but I have a very, very deep and acute feeling that there is more than this life that we lead,” Stewart said.
He described death as “a closure of a chapter, not the end of existence.”
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children, Sophia and Daniel.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
