Legendary actor Patrick Stewart has died aged 86 after a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

His close friend and contemporary Ian McKellen has led tributes, describing him as as a “man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love”.

Star Trek co-star William Shatner has described him as “the best of us”, and the Royal Shakespeare Company has called him a “colossus”.

His seven-decade career saw him star as Captain Picard in Star Trek, Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men, and take on numerous roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Moving effortlessly between genres, he earned multiple awards, including an Olivier Award for his performance in Antony and Cleopatra. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.

But early on in his career, he was told he would “never be a leading man” – here’s why.

Born in Mirfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire, his mother was a textile worker and his father a former sergeant major whose experience in Dunkirk shredded his mental health.

His love of drama came at school when a teacher introduced him to Shakespeare and encouraged him to perform.

Source: Bbc.com