Patrick Stewart, Star Trek's Captain Picard, dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the English actor famed for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at age 86, Variety reported.

Stewart passed away at his Los Angeles home following a brief battle with Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia, according to a statement on his Instagram account shared by Variety.

His career spanned stage and screen, with notable roles that explored human complexity and inspired audiences, as highlighted in the Instagram statement cited by Variety.

Tributes have poured in from fellow Star Trek cast members and colleagues. William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, expressed admiration for Stewart's intelligence and humanity, while George Takei called him a "true and irreplaceable legend," as reported by Variety.

Stewart's co-stars from Star Trek: The Next Generation also shared their condolences, with Wil Wheaton and Jonathan Frakes posting tributes on social media, according to Variety.

Beyond acting, Stewart was recognized for his philanthropy and activism in human rights, mental health, and animal welfare, as noted in the Variety statement.

He will be remembered for his dignity and compassion both on and off screen, with his influence extending across science fiction and superhero genres, Hollywood Reporter added.