Tributes have poured in following the death of British actor Patrick Stewart, celebrated for his decades-long Shakespearean stage career and iconic roles in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises.

Stewart, 86, died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, after what his family described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. His death was announced Thursday in a statement posted on his Instagram account.

In a social media post, comedian Ricky Gervais, who guest starred in the television series Extras, describes him as a "legend".

Sharing a video of the pair giggling in a set of bloopers for the series, the star comedian writes "What an actor."

"I still can’t believe he agreed to do this scene. And he didn’t even mind when I ruined every take," he adds.

Behind that unmistakable voice was an actor who understood that even the greatest heroes could be uncertain, that strength could exist alongside vulnerability, and that compassion was never a weakness," the post read.

While Sir Patrick never won an Oscar he took home numerous awards, including a Grammy and two Laurence Olivier Awards.

Patrick Stewart said in a recent interview that he had no intention of ever "retiring" from acting, and that he has always loved to be challenged by new work