Sir Patrick Stewart dies aged 86 as tributes pour in

Sir Patrick Stewart, the actor who became globally known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, has died at his home in Los Angeles aged 86. His family said he died after a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. BBC Two reported that the family said he died in the loving care of his wife, Sunny.

Stewart was born in West Yorkshire in 1940. Broadcasters differed on the exact place: BBC One named Dewsbury, while ITV and Sky News named Mirfield. Sky News put his Royal Shakespeare Company tenure at 16 years, while ITV described it as twice as long as his seven years on Star Trek: The Next Generation. He won two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, Sky News reported, and ITV reported multiple Emmy nominations.

ITV reported that his screen debut came on Coronation Street in 1967. Sky News reported that he was knighted for services to drama. Sky News also reported that he became a household name in 1987 as Star Trek's Jean-Luc Picard. His screen career included the X-Men films over several decades. Sky News reported that he will appear again as Professor X in Avengers Doomsday, due for release in December. ITV said the film will be his final screen appearance later this year.

Tributes came from friends and co-stars. Sir Ian McKellen, described by BBC One as one of his closest friends, said Stewart wore his heart on his sleeve and was, in McKellen's words, a man to rely on, to admire and to love. William Shatner said Captain Picard stood for the best of us and so did the man who played him. Hugh Jackman said we lost one of the greats of stage and screen and called Stewart a tremendous friend and man. ITV reported that Dame Judi Dench said she had lovely memories of him and called him a good actor. Sky News reported that Marvel Studios called him a singular talent, a generous collaborator and a true gentleman. Sky News also reported that Huddersfield Town said he was a titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide.

BBC Two broadcast an interview with Dame Harriet Walter, who knew Stewart for more than 40 years and played Cleopatra opposite his Mark Antony. She said his death was like a huge giant tree has fallen in the forest and that he never lost his roots or his passion for Shakespeare. ITV reported that Stewart was an ambassador for the charity Refuge and spoke publicly about domestic abuse in his childhood. ITV also reported that he was chancellor of the University of Huddersfield and described that role as his proudest achievement.