Depending on where you fall in the generational divides and how deeply you are into the world of science fiction and comic book lore, Sir Patrick Stewart will always be Captain Jean-Luc Picard of Star Trek or Professor Charles Xavier of X-Men.
Sadly, however you came to distinguish the legendary actor, you were likely flabbergasted to hear news of his passing. Stewart passed at the age of 86 on October 28, following a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. The statement from his rep reads:
“We announce with great sorrow the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia,” the statement reads. “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. We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace.”
For many, this news is likely to come as a gut punch and a complete shocker. The actor was still very much involved in Hollywood, even set to appear in what may be his last box-office smash, Avengers: Doomsday, premiering on December 18.
But now, knowing what we unfortunately know, people may wonder if he had plans to retire from the business. He actually answered this question back in the summer in a TV Insider exclusive.
Was Patrick Stewart Planning on Retiring from Acting?
On July 7, TV Insider ran an exclusive with Stewart, where the topic at hand was really his work as Captain Picard in the Star Trek franchise and the possibilities of spinoffs. First and foremost, many are likely to be interested in knowing that Stewart claimed in the piece, “Without question, Jean-Luc is the most significant role of my career. And I will be forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of what is now such a historic franchise.”
Then came the question about retiring. Interviewer Ian Spelling asked Stewart about his prospects in that regard, especially given his role as Professor X in Avengers: Doomsday, his recent Shakespeare sonnets project, and some newer voiceover work. Stewart remarkably replied:
“As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer available roles as we get older. That being said, I still continue to receive interesting offers and I love being challenged by new work, like voicing a pig’s head in Riz Ahmed‘s brilliant new series Bait. I can’t imagine ever officially retiring. I’ll always and forever be an actor.”
And there you have it. Rest in peace to a true legend, Sir Patrick Stewart.
