Patrick Stewart admits that being called an “unknown British Shakespearean actor” stung

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As a die-hard Star Trek fan, I can’t help but admire the journey of Patrick Stewart, a man who started as an “unknown British Shakespearean actor” and ended up becoming one of the most iconic captains in the galaxy. Thirty-seven years have passed since he first donned the captain’s chair on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.

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.

Stewart had spent nearly three decades working in the industry, graced the screens of significant Hollywood films, and performed on Los Angeles stages twice. Yet, his fame wasn’t as widespread, which led to a recurring joke on The Next Generation set. Brent Spiner, who portrayed Lt. Commander Data, made a sign for Stewart’s trailer that read “Caution: Mysterious British Shakespearean Actor.”

Believe me, it was an accurate description at the time. I tell that story now because it’s kind of fun to tell it when circumstances have changed somewhat. But when it appeared, even though I was described as unknown, I had been a very busy working actor for 27 years and there was a slight sting, particularly given the fact that I had worked in the theater in Los Angeles twice and had already appeared in a couple of major Hollywood movies and so forth.

Patrick Stewart

It’s been thirty-seven years since Patrick Stewart first appeared as Captain Picard in “Encounter at Farpoint,” and he’s become more than just a Starfleet captain; he’s renowned throughout the galaxy for his portrayal of one of the greatest captains in Star Trek. After The Next Generation, he starred in four films and reprised the role for Star Trek: Picard, eventually retiring as an admiral. However, rumors persist that another movie might be on the horizon, suggesting that Stewart may not have retired from wearing a comm badge just yet. It’s quite a journey for an “unknown British Shakespearean actor.”

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2024-08-26 17:23