Professor X Rests in Peace: Beloved British Actor Patrick Stewart Dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the celebrated British actor familiar to Korean audiences as Professor X, has died.

On October 29 (local time), multiple international entertainment outlets reported that British actor Patrick Stewart had died at the age of 86. According to reports, Stewart, who had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, died on Wednesday the 28th at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in 1940 in West Yorkshire, England, Patrick Stewart came from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and began appearing in TV movies and dramas in 1973 while working onstage. He made his Hollywood breakthrough with the 1984 film 〈Dune〉, then rose to stardom in 1987 when he was cast as Jean-Luc Picard in the 〈Star Trek〉 franchise.

Stewart, who was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 and knighted in 2010, was recognized as one of Britain’s leading actors.

Beginning with 2000’s 〈X-Men〉, he appeared as Professor X, Charles Xavier, in the 〈X-Men〉 franchise for more than 20 years. He delivered a memorable performance as a foil to fellow Brit Ian McKellen, earning the affection and applause of audiences. His final film will be 〈Avengers: Doomsday〉, in which he will also appear as Professor X and bring the character’s story to a close.