More than three decades have passed since actor Patrick Stewart originally commanded the Starship Enterprise and helped propel the character of Captain Jean-Luc Picard to legendary status.
Stewart had previously achieved recognition as an actor in English theater productions before joining the Star Trek franchise. When he was first offered the role for the revival of the series, he believed it would only run for one season. But, accepting the position would propel him on a journey packed with stars.
Stewart said, “It changed my life. There was nothing in my life that was not affected,”
He entered the franchise as Patrick Stewart, but by the conclusion of season two, he stated that he no longer knew where Stewart ended and Picard began, as the two personalities merged.
Stewart attended a science fiction event where he received a standing ovation from thousands of Star Trek franchise fans as the series gained popularity.
He stated that it was at this time that he recognized the impact that the American series had on “Trekkies” across the globe, as the franchise exemplified diversity and equality in its characters and exposed then-unfamiliar issues to new audiences.
“I saw the impact that Star Trek could have on people and their lives, the diversity of the show, its belief in honesty, fair play, equality, all those elements which kind of get a little sketchy these days,” he explained.
Stewart left the program in 1994, but returned for minor roles in several franchise films released in the years that followed.
As he portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, he gained even more notoriety in Hollywood.
In 2020, however, he would return to Starfleet in the spinoff series “Star Trek: Picard” airing on Paramount+. The series chronicles new chapters in Picard’s life.
On February 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, California, Patrick Stewart, Sunny Ozell, and their families attend the premiere of Picard season three. Araya Doheny
As the show enters its third and final season, Stewart anticipates fresh experiences by returning to familiar territory, much like Picard.
“There is a movie, and that’s possible in the future. But principally, I think the moment has come when I’m going to return to the live theatre, to the stage. In fact, there are a couple of Shakespeare roles I’ve never played,” he remarked.
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