Patrick Stewart: 'I'll Always Be an Actor'

Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier, had no intention of officially retiring before his passing on October 28, 2026, at the age of 86. In a July 2026 interview, Stewart emphasized his lifelong commitment to acting, stating, "I can't imagine ever officially 'retiring.' I'll always and forever be an actor."

Despite acknowledging the fewer roles available for older actors, Stewart continued to be motivated by new projects and interesting offers. He expressed his satisfaction with the conclusion of his character's journey in 'Star Trek: Picard,' which ended in 2023, and reflected on the significant impact of the Star Trek franchise on his career.

Stewart had previously discussed retirement with PEOPLE in 2022, admitting he expected to have stepped away from Hollywood by now. He and his wife, Sunny Ozell, had contemplated slowing down, though he anticipated he would soon seek out his agent again. Stewart's career spanned over six decades, and he expressed gratitude for the opportunities that arose from his breakthrough role in Star Trek.