Sir Patrick Stewart, the eternal Professor Xavier and Captain Picard, dies at the age of 86 in Los Angeles
Comadre, pull up your chair and prepare your heart, because pop culture and world theater have lost one of their most elegant and unforgettable giants. Legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart passed away this Wednesday (28), at the age of 86, at his residence in Los Angeles. Immortalized in the affective memory of millions as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek franchise and as the wise Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, the artist left after serenely facing a battle against Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia.
Confirmation of Sir Patrick Stewart's departure came through a touching statement released by his press office. The note reported that the actor left us at his home in Los Angeles, under the loving care of his companion Sunny, in a farewell marked by serenity, live music, prayers and the sincere affection of those who shared his intimacy. According to the family, he lived a brief and profound journey against the joint advance of Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, keeping in his countenance the peace and invincible elegance that always defined him in life.
With a prolific career spanning almost 60 years, Stewart built rare bridges between the classic tradition of theater and the greatest blockbusters in the history of cinema. A historic member of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) since the 1960s — where he acted in more than 60 productions — he won three prestigious Olivier Awards in the United Kingdom and collected nominations for Tony, Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Awards. The massive and global success began to be drawn in the late 1980s, when he masterfully took on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the classic series Star Trek: The Next Generation, a character he played for seven seasons on television, in multiple feature films and in the recent streaming success Star Trek: Picard.
In theaters, another legion of fans fell in love with his masterful portrayal of Charles Xavier, Professor X, in the X-Men franchise that began in the 2000s. His complicity on stage with actor Hugh Jackman generated contemporary masterpieces such as the acclaimed Logan and extended to his long-awaited posthumous participation in Avengers: Apocalypse, marking his eighth appearance as the mutant leader. Stewart also shone in dozens of cult films, memorable voiceovers, in the complete audiobook of Shakespeare's sonnets and in his praised autobiography Making It So, in addition to being decorated Knight of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II for his invaluable contribution to the dramatic arts and his tireless activism for women's rights and against domestic violence.
It's an irreparable loss that silences one of the most imposing and sweet voices in international dramaturgy, right bedpan? Patrick Stewart turned science fiction into classic poetry and taught entire generations about leadership, respect and empathy. May our eternal captain find the rest of the stars!
And you, bedpan? Which memory of Patrick Stewart was most marked in your memory: the wisdom of Professor Xavier in the X-Men movies or the unmistakable command of Captain Picard in Star Trek?