A few days after Walter Koenig, another iconic face of Star Trek has passed away. Sir Patrick Stewart, the unforgettable portrayer of Captain Jean-Luc Picard as well as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise, died at the age of 86 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy bodies Dementia, as announced on his official social media accounts. He was also known for his voice acting work, notably as Avery Bullock, the deputy director of the CIA in the animated series American Dad!, a role he had portrayed for more than twenty years.
The statement released to announce his passing describes the actor’s final moments, surrounded by his loved ones: “He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
To conclude this tribute, the press release includes a few words from the actor’s memoir, Making It So: A Memoir. In this quote, Patrick Stewart reflects on the bond he shared with Jean-Luc Picard, the character he first portrayed in Star Trek: The Next Generation, before reprising the role several decades later in the series Star Trek: Picard in the early 2020s.
Through these words, the actor reflects on the similarities between his own journey and that of the famous captain, particularly their attachment to their roots. It’s a way to conclude this tribute by letting the man who brought one of the saga’s most memorable characters to life speak for himself: “Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.”
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund https://t.co/luC5CdcWDy Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources https://t.co/zvNptfyuNd Photo Credit: Tommy Garcia https://t.co/XNncEVq56X
— Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) October 29, 2026
