
Before assuming the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Patrick Stewart was already quite recognized for his stage performances. He had a deep affection for theatre work and initially hesitated when offered the role. However, deciding to accept it marked a significant turning point in his life, as he went on to establish an enduring on-screen legacy. Yet, prior to The Next Generation gaining traction, a Los Angeles Times label labeled him as a “little-known British Shakespearean actor,” which may have stung him a bit.