Sir Patrick Stewart never planned to retire from acting.

The movie star - who passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday (10.28.26), following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body dementia - revealed in his last-ever interview that he hoped to continue working.

The acclaimed actor - who was best known for starring in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises - told TV Insider in July: "As any actor my age will tell you, there are fewer and fewer available roles as we get older.

"That being said, I still continue to receive interesting offers and I love being challenged by new work, like voicing a pig's head in Riz Ahmed's brilliant new series Bait. I can't imagine ever officially retiring. I'll always and forever be an actor."

Patrick was also thrilled to see the enduring popularity of Star Trek, the franchise that made him an international star.

The award-winning actor - who won a scholarship to the Bristol Old Vic before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 60s - said: "The enduring power of Star Trek and its values continues to reach new generations, and I'll always cheer on new series and new adaptations of this story.

"Having fresh voices to tell these new stories is critical, and I'm thrilled any time I get to meet a new member of the Star Trek tribe."

The actor's passing was announced by his family, who posted the news on social media.

They 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.

"He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to all of us.

"We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."