Sir Patrick Stewart dies age 86: Yorkshire-born X-Men and Star Trek star dies following dementia battle

The acclaimed actor, who was born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, is reported to have died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (Oct 28), in the care of his wife, Sunny Ozell.

A statement shared on his Instagram account on Thursday (Oct 29) announced his death, describing his final days surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.

The statement read: "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, 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."

Born on July 13, 1940, Sir Patrick grew up in Mirfield before embarking on an acting career spanning more than six decades.

He became one of Britain's most recognisable actors, achieving international fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise.

Before finding worldwide success on screen, he established himself as a respected stage actor with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in numerous productions throughout his career.

His contributions to drama were recognised with a knighthood in 2010.

Despite his international success, Sir Patrick maintained strong connections to his Yorkshire roots and served as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.

Reflecting on his career and upbringing, the statement continued: "A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television."

The statement also paid tribute to his distinctive voice, acting talent and charitable work.

"His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise."

Away from acting, Sir Patrick was a passionate advocate for human rights, survivors of domestic violence, refugees, veterans' mental health services and animal welfare.

He was also a lifelong Huddersfield Town supporter.

The statement added: "His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties.

"He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role - in his art and life."

The Instagram post said memorial contributions could be made to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Caregiver Resources in lieu of flowers.

The announcement concluded with a passage from Sir Patrick's memoir, Making It So, reflecting on his connection to home.

"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."