Patrick Stewart, Star Trek's Captain Picard, Dies at 86

Patrick Stewart died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was 86.

• Statement cited a brief illness with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
• His wife, Sunny, cared for him at home, the statement said.
• Longtime spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak announced the death.
• 1987: Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered, two months after he turned 47.

Why it matters: Stewart was largely unknown in America when cast as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard. The role made him a global science fiction star.

• Next Generation ran seven seasons and produced four feature films.
• He played Professor X in 2000's X-Men and six more films.

How 77 sources split on this story

What’s next: The family's statement said he spent his final days surrounded by family, friends and live music.

• Whether a public memorial or tribute is planned.