Star Trek and X-Men actor Sir Patrick Stewart dies

Star Trek and X-Men actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86.

Stewart died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement on his social media pages announced.

A post on Instagram said: "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."

It continued: "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."

The English actor rose to fame for his role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987, which ran for seven years.

He also appeared in the films Star Trek Generations in 1994 and Star Trek: First Contact in 1996.

Stewart was featured in a trailer for the highly anticipated "Avengers: Doomsday" film, set to be released in December, reprising his role of professor Charles Xavier in the mega Marvel crossover.

Paying tribute, Marvel Studios said Stewart brought 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."

A statement on X continued: "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."

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