Sir Patrick Stewart, the acclaimed British actor who became a global entertainment icon through his roles in Star Trek and X-Men, has died at the age of 86.

Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, according to a statement shared by his longtime spokesperson, Kelly Bush Novak. The announcement said he had experienced a brief period with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, with his wife, singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell, by his side.

His death marks the passing of one of the most recognisable actors of his generation, whose career successfully bridged classical theatre, television, blockbuster films and voice acting.

A defining role in ‘Star Trek’

Stewart achieved international recognition in 1987 when he began portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. His thoughtful and commanding performance helped establish Picard as one of science fiction’s most celebrated television characters.

The series ran for seven seasons, from 1987 to 1994, and Stewart later returned to the role in several films and the series Star Trek: Picard. His portrayal became closely associated with intelligence, diplomacy and principled leadership.

Remembered as Professor X in ‘X-Men’

Beyond science fiction television, Stewart won another generation of fans through his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise.

As the mentor and leader of the X-Men, he brought authority and compassion to the character, becoming a central figure in the film series. His performances alongside fellow actor Ian McKellen, who portrayed Magneto, were among the franchise’s memorable elements.

Marvel Studios and fellow performers have paid tribute to Stewart, recognising his contribution to the franchise and the wider entertainment industry.

A distinguished career in theatre

Although millions knew him for his screen performances, Stewart spent a substantial part of his professional life on stage. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s, building a reputation through performances in classical productions, including works by William Shakespeare.

His theatre career demonstrated a range that extended well beyond science fiction and superhero films. He also performed on Broadway and London’s West End, earning critical acclaim and major industry honours. Stewart received multiple Olivier Awards and was knighted in 2010 for his services to drama.

Tributes from colleagues and fans

News of Stewart’s death prompted tributes from colleagues across film and television. William Shatner, his fellow Star Trek star, remembered him as a gifted actor whose portrayal of Captain Picard reflected intelligence, grace and humanity.

Hugh Jackman, who worked alongside Stewart in the X-Men films, also expressed his grief, remembering him as both a remarkable performer and a friend.

Stewart was also known for supporting causes involving human rights, refugees, veterans and survivors of domestic abuse. His advocacy added another dimension to a career that extended beyond entertainment.

A legacy that will endure

Patrick Stewart leaves behind a body of work spanning decades, from Shakespearean theatre to internationally successful film and television franchises. His distinctive voice, commanding screen presence and thoughtful character portrayals helped him connect with audiences across generations.

For Star Trek fans, he will remain Captain Jean-Luc Picard. For X-Men audiences, he will be remembered as Professor Charles Xavier. For theatre lovers, his legacy also rests on his lifelong commitment to classical acting.

His death represents a significant loss for the international entertainment industry, but his performances will continue to introduce new audiences to one of Britain’s most distinguished actors.

The investigation into the death of American actress Hayden Panettiere has been concluded by police in Greenville, South Carolina, following an official ruling that her death was accidental.

The Greenville Police Department announced on October 28 that its investigation had ended after considering the medical examiner’s determination and the findings gathered during the inquiry. The announcement brings the local police investigation to a close, although the status of any separate federal investigation has not been confirmed publicly.

Panettiere, who was 36, was found unresponsive at an apartment in Greenville on August 16, 2026. Emergency responders attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

In September, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office determined that her death resulted from the toxic effects of multiple substances, including fentanyl and several medications. The coroner classified the death as accidental and reported that the autopsy found no trauma that contributed to her death.

The police investigation had continued after the coroner’s findings while authorities examined the circumstances surrounding her death. Police had previously reported no initial indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances. The department’s latest announcement confirmed that its investigation was complete.

Panettiere was widely recognised for her performances in the television series Heroes and Nashville. Her work also included appearances in the Scream film franchise. Beyond her acting career, she had spoken publicly about personal challenges, bringing greater attention to the difficulties she experienced outside the screen.

Her death has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with accidental drug toxicity and the importance of access to appropriate support for people facing substance-related difficulties.

With Greenville police confirming the closure of their investigation, the principal outstanding question is whether any separate federal inquiry remains active. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the final status of any such investigation.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has told police that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity, as details of his interviews with detectives were presented during his ongoing criminal trial in London.

The 51-year-old made the statements during four police interviews conducted between November 2023 and July 2025. His responses were read to jurors at Southwark Crown Court, where he is facing allegations of rape and sexual assault involving six women.

According to evidence presented in court, Brand acknowledged that he had lived a very promiscuous lifestyle in the past but insisted that his sexual encounters had always been consensual.

In statements to investigators, he also challenged media reports that preceded the criminal investigation, describing the allegations against him as false and arguing that publicity had encouraged further accusations.

The prosecution has presented allegations relating to incidents said to have occurred between 1999 and 2009. Brand denies the charges.

He faces three counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted indecent assault. The allegations include claims of forced sexual activity and unwanted physical contact.

During the proceedings, the court also heard that a judge directed a not-guilty verdict on one original indecent-assault allegation after finding insufficient evidence to proceed with that charge. An amended charge of attempted indecent assault was subsequently brought in connection with the same incident.

In a further development reported on October 29, Brand took the witness stand and denied all the charges, telling the court that consent was essential in his sexual relationships.

The trial remains a significant legal case, with the jury expected to consider the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence before reaching a verdict.

Brand remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until he is convicted.

Latest development

Brand’s testimony on October 29 included an acknowledgement that he had previously been obsessed with sex and had engaged in reckless behaviour, while maintaining that he did not force anyone into sexual activity. His wife, Laura Brand, also gave evidence on October 30, describing their relationship and marriage.

A guitar associated with the late British pop superstar George Michael has reportedly sold for £180,000 following a dispute surrounding its auction.

The instrument, connected to Michael’s iconic Faith era, attracted significant attention from music fans and collectors because of the singer’s lasting influence on popular music.

The sale comes after an auction row raised questions about the instrument’s ownership and the circumstances surrounding its proposed sale.

Michael, who rose to international fame as one half of Wham! before establishing a hugely successful solo career, remains one of Britain’s most celebrated music artists.

His 1987 album Faith became a landmark release, producing several internationally successful songs and helping establish him as a global superstar.

The guitar’s reported £180,000 sale highlights the continuing demand for memorabilia connected to legendary musicians, particularly items associated with defining moments in their careers.

The dispute also underlines the importance of clear ownership records and provenance when valuable music memorabilia is put up for auction.

For collectors, the instrument represents more than a musical object: it is a piece of pop music history connected to an artist whose legacy continues to attract worldwide interest.

What happened?

The guitar was a vintage 1940s Gretsch Synchromatic 160, famously played in the 1987 Faith music video. George Michael later gifted it to his personal assistant, Siobhan Bailey.

The guitar achieved a hammer price of £180,000, exceeding its pre-auction estimate of £60,000–£120,000. Including the buyer’s premium, the reported final price was £234,480.

The auction was organised by Sworders and featured 32 lots from Bailey’s collection.

The family dispute

The sale attracted controversy because Bailey’s brother, Gerard Bailey, objected to the auction.

Siobhan Bailey died in 2014, aged 56, while still legally married to her estranged husband, Ian Belcher. She had not left a registered will, meaning her estate passed to him.

Gerard claimed his sister had been preparing a will that would have left the memorabilia to her nieces and nephews. He argued that she would have been horrified to see her personal possessions sold.

There is no suggestion that Belcher lacked the legal right to sell the collection. He declined to comment, while Sworders defended its handling of the sale.

Other items sold

The auction also included:

• A signed Queen Five Live EP sleeve – £7,000.

• A Faith tour itinerary – £5,000.

• A presentation CD of Older – £4,800.

• A gold disc for Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – £4,500.

The collection generated £238,000 excluding buyers’ premiums, according to the auction report.