Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died aged 86 following a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia”, it has been announced on his social media.

The actor shot to fame when he originated the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987.

The sci-fi TV series ran for seven years, with films Star Trek Generations in 1994 and Star Trek: First Contact in 1996.

In a statement on Instagram on Thursday evening, it was announced that Sir Patrick has died.

The statement read: “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.

“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.

“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”

Born in Mirfield, Yorkshire in 1940, Sir Patrick’s more than 60-year career included movies, TV and the theatre including 16 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

He earned a Grammy for best spoken word album for children for Prokofiev: Peter And The Wolf in 1996.

Sir Patrick also earned four Emmy nominations for various work and two supporting actor Olivier Awards for Shakespeare plays, the first for Antony And Cleopatra in 1979 and the second for Hamlet in 2009.

For a new generation, his Star Trek past was soon forgotten as he took on his biggest role on the big screen as the Marvel superhero Professor Charles Xavier in the first three X-Men blockbusters, which began life in 2000.

He would come back to the series in 2014’s X-Men: Days Of Future Past, 2017’s Logan, 2022’s Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness and 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine.

He received his knighthood for services to drama in 2009, and was knighted by the late Queen in 2010

Sir Patrick, who has been married three times, has a son and a daughter.

The statement on the actor’s Instagram continued: “A son of Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he travelled from the Royal Shakespeare Company to an equally acclaimed career spanning six decades on Broadway, the silver screen and television.

“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre. He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise.

“His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties.

“He was a knight, chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield football fan. He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role – in his art and life.

“Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience. But he is also someone who has remained true to his earthbound roots, for they are what gave him his identity. In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.” — Patrick Stewart, Making It So: A Memoir.

The social media post also said that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.

Marvel Studios paid tribute to Sir Patrick, describing the actor as “a true gentleman”.

In a message posted on X, the film and TV production company said: “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart.

“Sir Patrick brought Professor Charles Xavier to life with extraordinary grace, intelligence, and humanity, defining the character for generations of fans, from ‘X-Men’ to ‘Logan’ to ‘Avengers: Doomsday.’

“He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman.

“Our hearts go out to his wife Sunny, his children, his friends, and the countless fans around the world whose lives he touched with his art.”

Huddersfield Town also paid tribute to Sir Patrick, who was a lifelong supporter of the football club.

In a message posted on X, the Terriers said: “All at Huddersfield Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart.

“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this sad time.

“A titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide, his legacy will live on.

“Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own.

“Once a Terrier, always a Terrier.”

William Shatner, who played Captain James T Kirk in the original 1960s Star Trek TV series, posted on X: “What a heartbreaking week it has been.

“Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did.

“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. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.”

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting posted on X: “Heartbroken by the death of Sir Patrick Stewart.

“From Shakespeare to Star Trek, he boldly went where few had gone before, and took millions of us with him.

“He never forgot his roots, nor did he shy away from using his voice to stand up for others, particularly those affected by domestic violence. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”