Patrick Stewart, actor known for iconic roles in ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men,’ dies at 86

Beloved actor Patrick Stewart has died following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, his representative confirmed. He was 86.

“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,” Kelly Bush Novak, his longtime spokesperson, said in a statement provided to NBC News on Thursday.

Stewart — whose storied career included the iconic roles of Professor X in the “X-Men” film series and Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in the “Star Trek” franchise — had spent quality time with loved ones before his death, according to the statement.

“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,” the statement said. “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection of his invincible grace.”

An indelible part of the “Star Trek” legacy, he played Jean-Luc Picard for seven seasons on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” from 1987 to 1994 and in…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world