Sir Patrick Stewart died in October 2026 after a private battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder.
“We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles,” a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram page read. “[Patrick died] in the loving care of his beloved wife, Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.”
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of dementia, per the Mayo Clinic, which causes a decline in mental abilities that gradually worsen over time. Symptoms of LBD also include visual hallucinations, rigid muscles, slow movement, difficulty walking and tremors.
“Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function,” a definition on the Alzheimer’s Association website reads. “Its features may include spontaneous changes in attention and alertness, recurrent visual hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder, and slow movement, tremors or rigidity.”
According to the organization, there is often a frequent overlap in LBD symptoms and Parkinson’s disease traits.
Other late stars who battled LBD include Robin Williams, Golden Girls alum Estelle Getty and All-Star MLB pitcher Tom Seaver.
Further details about Stewart’s battle have not been revealed. He had not publicly disclosed his diagnosis prior to his death.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his children, Daniel and Sophie, from his first marriage to Sheila Falconer.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all,” Stewart’s rep continued in a statement, recalling the Star Trek actor’s final days. “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
The obituary noted that Stewart’s six-decade Hollywood career is “humbly matched” by his longtime advocacy.
“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,” the statement read. “He was a knight, chancellor, motor sport enthusiast and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan.”
The statement concluded, “He will be remembered for the dignity, compassion and humanity he brought to every role — in his art and life.”
Stewart’s obituary added that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor could be donated to Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.
