Star Trek and X-Men actor Patrick Stewart died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (October 28) after what was described in a statement as a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia”.
Born into poverty in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Stewart suffered domestic violence at the hands of his father but would escape his traumatic childhood to become one of the most lauded and recognisable actors of his generation.
After receiving a grant to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School his career started at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 where he went in to appear in numerous productions, including making his debut on Broadway in 1971 in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
His first television appearance was as small part in Coronation Street, followed by roles in Fall of Eagles (1974), I, Claudius (1976) and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979).
But global fame beckoned when he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in sci-fi Star Trek: The Next Generation.
He played the part on television for eight years, then returned for a series of hit movies and again for spinoff Star Trek: Picard.
Further stardom followed on the big screen with his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchaise which was eventually absorbed into the Marvel Cinematic Universe - his final performance will be seen in the upcoming superhero movie Avengers: Doomsday.
Along the way he picked up an array of acting prizes including two Laurence Olivier Awards and a Grammy Award, along with nominations for a Tony Award, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to drama in 2010.
Here are 20 interesting quotes from the star over the years.
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9. Patrick Stewart on...exploring space
"I would like to see us get this place right first before we have the arrogance to put significantly flawed civilizations out onto other planets, even though they may be utterly uninhabited." | Getty Images for ReedPop
10. Patrick Stewart on...scientific lingo
"I wouldn't know a space-time continuum or warp core breach if they got into bed with me." | Getty Images
11. Patrick Stewart on...intelligence
"Having played many roles of scientific intellect I do have an empathy for that world. It's been hard on me because flying the Enterprise for seven years in Star Trek and sitting in Cerebro in X-men has led people to believe that I know what I'm talking about. But I'm still trying to work out how to operate the air conditioning unit on my car." | Getty Images
12. Hugh Jackman on...theatre
"You get all of your neuroses worked out on stage. I haven't actually played very many nice characters, certainly not on stage. It's not a quality that attracts me." | Getty Images