Patrick Stewart, legendary Hollywood actor known for roles in X-Men and Star Trek films, dies at 86 | Hollywood

Actor Patrick Stewart, whose roles in the “X-Men” and “Star Trek” franchises made him a Hollywood legend, passed away in Los Angeles on Wednesday. Stewart's death was confirmed by his representatives on his social media accounts on Thursday. He was 86.

British actor Sir Patrick Stewart arrives to Paramount+ Star Trek Day held at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, California, on September 8, 2022. (AFP)A statement shared on the actor's social media accounts said that he died after a "short and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia."

"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," the statement read.

“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,” it added.

Patrick Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his two children from his first marriage, son Daniel Stewart and daughter Sophie Alexandra-Stewart.

Several of Patrick Stewart's co-stars took to social media to pay their tributes to the late actor. “What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor," actor William Shatner and Stewart's “Star-Trek” colleague, wrote.

"From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did," Shatner added. "Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work.”

“We lost one of the greats of stage and screen today," Hugh Jackman, who acted alongside Stewart in the “X-Men” films, wrote. "And, in my book, a tremendous friend and man. I learned so much from him. I will miss you, Patrick Stewart, all of my days.”

Cary Elwes, who starred alongside Stewart in “Lady Jane” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” recalled how he first met Stewart on the sets of “Lady Jane” in 1984 and "fell in love with him immediately."

"Not only was amiable and kind with a great sense of humor, he was incredible to work with," he continued. "His command of the screen with his sheer presence and that unmistakable voice was a sight to behold. Almost a decade later when Mel and I were discussing who should play King Richard in Men in Tights, I told him it has to be Patrick.

"Fortunately for us he accepted and once again shared his joy and talent with us all. My now shattered heart goes out to Sunny, his children, friends and fans, of which I will always be one. Good night, sweet Prince.”