Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (October 28), following a "brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's and dementia. The news was announced during Friday's (October 30) live Good Morning Britain programme by presenters Ranvir Singh and Paul Brand.
Tributes from Good Morning Britain presenters
Moments into the show, Ranvir said: "Sir Patrick Stewart, the star of everything from Star Trek to Shakespeare, has died at the age of 86. Born in Yorkshire, he conquered the world of acting." She added: "I think there was a whole nation going, 'Oh no,' about Sir Patrick Stewart, what a giant of stage and screen. [He has] sadly died at the age of 86, following a short battle with dementia. Friends have paid tribute to the actor, calling him a titan of his craft."
Paul commented: "Sir Patrick's talent saw him move effortlessly from performing Shakespeare, to delivering epic Hollywood performances, becoming one of the most loved performers of his generation."
Career highlights and final role
A statement from Sir Patrick's spokesperson 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. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."
Philip Sime reflected on Sir Patrick's career in a pre-recorded package, noting that to millions he is Jean-Luc Picard, the commander of the USS Enterprise. Born in Yorkshire into a household affected by poverty and domestic abuse, he found escape on stage and screen, later portraying Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films. His final role will be in the upcoming Avengers film, described as "one last appearance alongside a lifelong friend."
Reactions from colleagues and fans
William Shatner said: "He brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did." Hugh Jackman called the star "one of the greats of stage and screen".
Ranvir also highlighted Sir Patrick's work as an ambassador for Women's Refuge, noting his mother suffered domestic abuse and that he spoke about it openly, which "definitely changed lives, especially for young boys growing up in those environments."
Viewers shared tributes on social media, with one X user posting: "A Yorkshire legend who will be forever immortalised in Sci-fi, Shakespeare, and comics." Another commented on his classical work, and a third expressed: "I don't think I realised just how much Patrick Stewart meant to me until I saw this news tonight. Been sitting here watching old clips with tears in my eyes. My childhood, my heroes, my Captain. Thank you for everything, Sir Patrick."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am. More information about dementia is available via organisations including the NHS and Dementia UK.
