Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ star, dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the Shakespearean actor who became widely known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek” and Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” films, has died at 86, according to reports from The Washington Post, The New York Times and other outlets.

Stewart performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company before leading “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as Picard. He later appeared as the character in four “Star Trek” feature films and returned for the television series “Star Trek: Picard.” His film roles also included 1984’s “Dune” and multiple “X-Men” movies. Space.com reported that his final screen performance, again as Charles Xavier, is scheduled to appear in “Avengers: Doomsday” on Dec. 18.

Friends and colleagues paid tribute to Stewart after his death. Ian McKellen, his “X-Men” co-star and close friend, recalled Stewart’s Yorkshire roots and described him as forthright and emotionally open. “He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and, in my case, love,” McKellen wrote on Instagram.

William Shatner called Stewart “a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor,” saying he brought “intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity” to his work. Akiva Goldsman, co-creator of “Star Trek: Picard,” praised Stewart as kind, collaborative and wise, and said his portrayal of Picard permanently expanded the “Star Trek” universe.