British actor Patrick Stewart died on Wednesday, October 28 at age 86. The general public hadn’t been aware that he was battling Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia prior to his death. His passing was confirmed via a statement that noted Stewart died at his home “in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.”
Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia are both different types of dementia.
Per Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, and Lewy body dementia is the second most common. When people have more than one type of dementia at the same time, as Stewart did, this is referred to as mixed dementia.
Alzheimer’s can affect memory, thinking and reasoning, decision making skills, the ability to plan and complete tasks, and mood and behavior. Lewy body dementia can cause visual hallucinations, movement symptoms, memory symptoms, and depression, among other symptoms. Additionally, it can have an impact on body functions, potentially leading to dizziness, falls, bowel issues, and other changes.
After actor Robin Williams died in 2014, an autopsy revealed that he had been suffering from Lewy body dementia.
The statement about Stewart’s passing celebrated his professional achievements and his philanthropy.
“He explored the human condition in all its poetic complexity and brought hope not only to the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but into science fiction’s most iconic final frontier aboard the Starship Enterprise,” the statement read. “His professional accomplishments were humbly matched by his philanthropy and activism on behalf of human rights, survivors of domestic violence, global refugees, veterans’ mental health services, and animal welfare, particularly his cherished foster pitties.”
The statement also noted that “he will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role – in his art and life.”
Many people shared loving tributes to Stewart.
The Star Trek franchise, which described Stewart as “a voice,” “a presence,” and “a captain like any other,” took to Instagram to share a tribute to Stewart shortly after his death was announced.
“Sir Patrick Stewart gave generations of fans an icon who inspired us to look toward the stars,” the statement read. “Today, we celebrate an extraordinary life and an enduring legacy.”
Marvel also shared a statement. “All of us at Marvel Studios are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart,” it read. “Sir Patrick brought Professor 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.’ He was a singular talent, a generous collaborator, and a true gentleman.”
Actor Ian McKellen was among the many celebrities who shared tributes. He recalled first meeting Stewart when they were both “ambitious young actors” in different productions with the Royal Shakespeare Company “half a century ago.” He referred to Stewart as “the most respected and beloved actor of his generation.”
The last film Stewart appeared in prior to his death, Avengers: Doomsday, has not been released yet. In a TV Insider interview published in July, Stewart spoke about how it was harder to find roles at his age, but he had no plans to retire from acting. “I can’t imagine ever officially retiring,” he had said at the time. “I’ll always and forever be an actor.”
