Patrick Stewart, best known for "Star Trek" and "X-Men," dies at 86

Patrick Stewart starred on stage and screen across his decadeslong acting career. He died at his home on Wednesday.

Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his work in the "Star Trek" and "X-Men" franchises and his prolific award-winning stage career, has died at 86 years old, his spokesperson confirmed.Stewart died at home on Wednesday, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said in a statement. His death followed "a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia," Novak said. "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," Novak said. Stewart began his acting career doing stage plays in the United Kingdom, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s.Stewart's most recognizable role began in 1987, when he started playing Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The show ran for seven seasons and also spawned four "Star Trek" films featuring Stewart as Picard and the rest of the "Next Generation" cast.

Stewart later reprised the role for Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Picard," which ran for three seasons.In a 2023 interview with "CBS Mornings," Stewart said "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry initially turned him away. "He was talked into employing me by the other producers," Stewart said. Fellow "Star Trek" legend William Shatner posted: "Sir