Farewell, Sir Patrick Stewart - Thank You for Making It So!

 

The death of Sir Patrick Stewart on October 29, 2026, has left a chasm of grief for me and many other fans around the world. Whether he endeared himself to you as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation or as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, Stewart seared himself into the collective consciousness as a man of decency and honor. 

The enigmatic Q – played with gleeful delight by John de Lancie –  said to Jean-Luc, "Even gods have their favorites." And the gods definitely brought us Patrick Stewart as a man who stood out among we mortals for his intense embrace of what is internal goodness that radiated every time he spoke. Whether in character or during an interview, Stewart manifested positive energy for all to see. 

Humble Beginning

Young Patrick with his mother

Stewart was born July 13, 1940, in Mirfield in West Riding of Yorkshire, to Gladys and Alfred Stewart. He and his older brothers, Geoffrey and Trevor, grew up in poverty, and also experienced domestic violence form their abusive father. His father, who served in the army during World War II, suffered combat fatigue –  what we now call PTSD – but Stewart never used that as an excuse for his father's behavior. 

Stewart credited his interest in acting to his English teacher Cecil Dormand who gave him a copy of Shakespeare's works and encouraged him to perform. He continued to study drama and left school at age 15 to work in a local theater, supporting himself as a newspaper reporter for a local publication. Stewart eventually received a grant to attend Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and he was on the right path for an acting career. 

Theater and English Television

Patrick as a young man

After working in many local productions, Stewart eventually joined the Royal National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company,  acting in more than 60 productions. He would appear in many major roles, and also was in many television programs, gaining attention for his efforts. 

While Stewart wanted to work in classical and Shakespearean theater works more than anything else, he did get to know actress Lalla Ward, who appeared in the TV series Dr. Who. He wondered why she would want to work in science fiction. This was in the mid-1980s when Stewart was in a play at UCLA and caught the attention of American television producer Robert H. Justman, who thought of him as being ideal for a revival of the Star Trek TV series. 

Written in the Stars 

Ironically, Stewart knew only a bit about Star Trek and had no idea about its cultural impact and iconic stature in American culture. When he was offered a six-year contract, Stewart was reluctant to tie himself up for so many years working on a television series.

He spoke to a number of people, and most of them said that they believed this new show would not be as successful as the original, and they told him it would be probably be cancelled after one year. He still hesitated to sign a contract, and even his good friend Ian McKellen advised him against throwing away his theater career. 

Despite all the negativity from those he knew, somehow Stewart was intrigued by this opportunity as he learned more about Star Trek, and it seemed to be written in the stars for him to take on the role that would define his career – Captain Jean-Luc Picard!

Leading up to the series premiere a reporter asked series creator Gene Roddenberry about the choice of a bald captain. The reporter suggested that in the 24th century wouldn't they probably have a cure for baldness, to which Roddenberry replied, "In the 24th century, they wouldn't care." Stewart was grateful for Gene's response to that rather stupid question. 

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Stewart as Captain Picard 

When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered on American television in 1987, there were many naysayers –  myself included. Many fans had hoped for a revival of the old series, bringing back the beloved characters from the original series and feature films. Even the Los Angeles Times was not impressed calling Stewart "an unknown British Shakespearean actor." 

It is obvious that Roddenberry wanted something completely different. Stewart's Jean-Luc Picard would be the antithesis of the swashbuckling Captain Kirk (William Shatner), and he would be surrounded by a diverse crew that would surprisingly include Android Data (Brent Spiner) and a Klingon (Michael Dorn). 

In the beginning, Stewart had trouble fitting in with what he called his less disciplined castmates. He once scolded them saying, "We're not here to have fun!" But, over time, he got used to the difference between working in television and being on stage and became adjusted to the work ethic and the merits and cultural influence of Star Trek. 

When other actors on the set started to employ his professionalism, Stewart relaxed and felt he fit into the role. He rationalized playing the captain this way –  "I should play Jean-Luc, I realized, as if he were a character in Henry IV, which is about brave men."

Over seven seasons Picard set a high standard as a starship captain of distinct nobility and grace, and with his intimidating English baritone he inspired the respect he so richly deserved from humans and aliens alike.  

X-Men and Picard Again

Stewart as Charles Xavier

Stewart went on to play many other roles, but another one that endeared him to a whole different set of fans was the one as Professor Charles Xavier, the founder and mentor of a team of superheroes. He was uncertain about joining another franchise, but knowing that good friend McKellen was playing super villain Magneto inspired him to climb aboard the new ship. 

In  August 2018, Stewart announced that he would be starring again as Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek series Picard. I watched this series with a heavy heart because I knew it was a swan song, not just for Stewart, but also the original cast members who joined him for one last spin around the galaxy. 

Legacy

Stewart has always been a champion of decency and doing the right thing. He spoke out against domestic violence, recalling the abuse of his mother by his father. In 2009 he gave his name to a post graduate study about domestic violence at the University of Huddlesfield, where served as Chancellor (2004-2015). 

Stewart in 'Picard'

Stewart also supported many other charities and worthy causes, and he was a staunch supporter and advocate for pit bulls –  a dog breed that gets negative press here in America. He fostered several dogs from Wags and Walks, a dog rescue in Los Angeles. 

Most of all Stewart will be remembered for his stature as someone who respected everyone and was beloved by all. For me, I welcomed his approach as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and being so different than Kirk was a blessing for a new Trek series. He and his next generation crew inspired fans and made us feel that the future would indeed be a bright one that respected all species across the galaxy and beyond.

I like to think that as the angels took him gently by the arms after he passed away, he looked up at the sky and said, "Engage."  

Rest in peace, Sir Patrick Stewart.