The actor began his professional career on the British stage, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 before achieving worldwide recognition as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
The television series premiered in 1987 and established Stewart as one of science fiction’s most recognizable performers.
He subsequently portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in the hugely successful X-Men franchise, beginning in 2000, and continued appearing in major productions throughout his later career.
His contributions to drama earned him numerous accolades, including Olivier Awards and a Grammy, while Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 2010.
Stewart married three times and is survived by his third wife, American musician Sunny Ozell, and his two children from his first marriage.
Announcing his death on Instagram, his family described his final days as being surrounded by loved ones.
The statement said: “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.”
It added: “We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
Stewart is set to appear posthumously as Professor Xavier in Marvel’s forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
