He was 86 years old.

Patrick Stewart passed away on Wednesday in Los Angeles, an official announcement said.

"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 announcement said.

"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 announcement said.

"He was a Knight, Chancellor, motor sport enthusiast, and lifelong Huddersfield Football fan," they said.