Figure caption, Watch: The life of legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart
Updated 30 October 2026 03:54 GMT
Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart rose from humble beginnings in his native Yorkshire to become a global superstar whose work became immortalised portraying characters on some of the most popular sci-fi franchises in history.
Image source, Press Association
The star, who won acclaim on both stages and screens, died at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday after a career that spanned more than seven decades. He was 86.
Born in 1940, his mother was a textile worker and his father was a former military officer whose experience during the wartime evacuation of Dunkirk had a profound impact on his mental health.
Image source, BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Linda Aytan
Image caption, Baby Patrick seen being held by his Aunt Dolly. He is seen with his mother (right) and brothers Trevor (left) and Geoff
He grew up poor, and later spoke to journalists about witnessing his mother being abused by his father.
Image source, BBC/Wall to Wall Media Ltd/Andrew Montgomery
Image caption, Stewart (right) pictured with his brother Trevor and his mother, circa 1945
Young Patrick’s love of drama came at school when one of his teachers introduced him to Shakespeare and encouraged him to perform.
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Image caption, Stewart played Launce for Robin Phillips’ production of ‘Two Gentlemen Of Verona’ in London in 1970
He threw himself enthusiastically into the flourishing local theatre. “I used to recite Shakespeare from memory,” he said. “I just learned all these big speeches.”
He went on to star in countless Shakespeare plays. One of his earliest breakout roles was in 1970’s Two Gentlemen of Verona, which also featured his rescue dog, Blackie, playing the role of the dog Crab.
Image caption, Stewart played Sejanus in the 1976 BBC historical drama series I, Claudius
His expertise in Shakespeare led to play a major role in the 1976 BBC television series I, Claudius.
In 1981, he was featured in 1981 fantasy film Excalibur, bringing him one step closer to his future sci-fi career.
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Image caption, Stewart (far right) played Leondegrance in the film Excalibur
Sir Patrick has won numerous awards, including a Grammy and two Laurence Olivier Awards. He was also nominated for a Tony, along with multiple Golden Globes and Emmys over the years.
His iconic voice and facial expressions saw him star in both the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, helping to spawn a generation of global sci-fi fans.
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Image caption, Stewart played Jean-Luc Picard, the commanding officer of the Federation starship USS Enterprise, on Star Trek
In 1987, he took on the role of Jean-Luc Picard on popular TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Tapping into Star Trek fandom earned him millions of adoring fans around the world.
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Image caption, Star Trek: The Next Generation started airing in 1987 and spanned 178 episodes over seven seasons.
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Image caption, Sir Patrick starred in a 2008 Broadway performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Image source, Press Association
Image caption, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Sir Patrick at Buckingham Palace in 2010
Image source, Reuters
Image caption, Sir Patrick poses with his knighthood medal
His scores of sci-fi fans reached new heights with his starring role as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, which began in 2000.
He reprised the role multiple times over decades through the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including in 2026 in Avengers: Doomsday.
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Image caption, Stewart gained scores of new fans with his portrayal of Professor X in X-Men
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Image caption, Stewart appeared alongside X-Men co-stars Hugh Jackman (left) and Ian McKellen (right)
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Image caption, Stewart continued to reprise his role even after X-Men was re-booted with a younger cast in a prequel series
Figure caption, Watch: “A big loss” – Fans react to death of Sir Patrick Stewart
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