Iconic movie star Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86, according to a spokesperson. Stewart is beloved for his portrayals of Jean-Luc Picard in the "Star Trek" franchise as well as Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" series of movies. 'Playing Jean-Luc for all those years had a real impact on me.' "He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all," wrote Kelly Bush Novak, his spokesperson.
"We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace." Stewart was well known as a classical actor in his home country of Britain, but he skyrocketed to fame around the globe after being cast in 1987 as the lead in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which became a lasting hit.
After the award-winning series ended in 1994, Stewart feared being typecast in sci-fi roles but decided…