Aging Star Patrick Stewart Reaches the Age of 85
Patrick Stewart, born on July 13, 1940, in the English village of Mirfield, West Yorkshire, began his career as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1966 to 1982. However, it was not until 1987 that he gained international recognition, stepping into the command deck of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
Before his Star Trek debut, Stewart had appeared in two notable international films - "Excalibur" (1981) and "Dune" (1984) - but in supporting roles. His transition to television with Star Trek marked a significant turning point that elevated his profile globally.
The casting of Stewart came at a crucial time when the producers sought a distinguished, intelligent lead for the new Star Trek series. His commanding presence, Shakespearean gravitas, and classical acting background made him an ideal choice to portray the thoughtful and authoritative Captain Picard, distinguishing him from the more swashbuckling style of Star Trek's original captain, William Shatner's Kirk.
Stewart's journey to Star Trek was not by design but rather a lucky coincidence while he was helping a friend with a lecture on Shakespeare. Co-producer Robert Justman saw Stewart's performance and immediately thought he'd found his captain. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of "Star Trek," was initially skeptical about Stewart due to his physical appearance but was convinced by Stewart's audition.
Stewart had no prior knowledge of "Star Trek" when he was cast. He found the opportunity interesting because it was happening in California and offered him a new salary bracket. Despite his initial skepticism, Roddenberry was soon won over by Stewart's dedication and commitment to the role.
For Stewart, playing in "Star Trek" was a dream come true. He shone in the series, and his love for theater was evident as he brought the works of Shakespeare and other great playwrights to the Star Trek universe. His most famous role remains that of Captain Jean-Luc Picard from "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
After three seasons and a grand finale, Stewart bid farewell to the iconic role of Captain Picard in "Star Trek: Picard." However, he made a surprise return to TV as Jean-Luc Picard in the dark spin-off series "Star Trek: Picard" in 2017.
Stewart found fame and fortune as the first British actor to headline "Star Trek," but also found himself typecast as Captain Picard for over 15 years. Despite this, he continued to excel in various roles, including a memorable performance in Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land" at London's West End in 2016, alongside close friend and best man Sir Ian McKellen.
Patrick Stewart is set to reprise his role as Professor Xavier in the Marvel blockbuster "Avengers: Doomsday," demonstrating his versatility as an actor and his enduring appeal to audiences worldwide. His career, spanning over five decades, is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the impact of his iconic role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
In the transition from film to television, Patrick Stewart's role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" significantly elevated his global profile, making him a renowned celebrity in the world of movies-and-tv entertainment.
Stewart's illustrious career, marked by his iconic role in Star Trek, also includes notable performances in Shakespearean productions, showcasing his depth in entertainment as an accomplished actor.
