Patrick Stewart, Who Steered Star Trek's Next Generation, Dies at 86

Patrick Stewart, the British actor who gave Star Trek its most recognizable modern captain, has died at the age of 86.

For many science fiction fans, Stewart was Jean-Luc Picard, commander of the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He took the role in 1987 and carried it through the show's run until 1994. Where earlier Star Trek captains often leaned on bold action, Picard governed through debate, patience and a classical actor's sense of weight. His "Make it so" became one of the franchise's signature lines, and his performance helped the series find an audience that stretched well beyond the original show's fans.

Stewart's career reached far past the bridge of the Enterprise. He trained as a stage actor in Britain and was a respected figure in classical theater long before Hollywood came calling. He later played Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, and he returned to Picard decades later in Star Trek: Picard, which ran from 2020 to 2023.

Details about the circumstances of his death were not part of the initial report. Tributes from colleagues, fellow actors and fans are likely to follow.