Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart was born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England. He was the youngest of three boys born to Alfred Stewart, a Regimental Sergeant Major in the British Army, and Gladys, a textile mill worker. Stewart grew up in a poor household reeling from the effects of World War II. His early acting interest was nurtured through school drama and a local drama club.

In 1966, Patrick Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), where his career as an actor firmly took root. He worked with some of the most respected figures in theater and performed in a wide array of classical and modern productions. Stewart's time with the RSC honed his craft and established his reputation as a Shakespearean actor.

On September 28, 1987, 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' premiered on television, heralding a new era in the Star Trek franchise. Patrick Stewart was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the steadfast and intellectual captain of the USS Enterprise. His portrayal of Picard became iconic and won him critical acclaim, cementing his place in science fiction history.

In 1991, Patrick Stewart won his first Drama Desk Award for his performance in a one-man adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. His virtuosic portrayal of more than 30 characters in this solo stage performance was widely lauded and showcased his extraordinary range and command as an actor.

The series finale of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', titled 'All Good Things...', aired on May 23, 1994. It marked the end of the seven-year run of the series, which had established itself as one of the most beloved and acclaimed sci-fi shows. Patrick Stewart's performance as Captain Picard was crucial to its success.

On July 12, 2000, Patrick Stewart starred as Professor Charles Xavier in the film 'X-Men', directed by Bryan Singer. The film was a critical and commercial success, pioneering a new era of superhero films. Stewart’s role as the wise and compassionate leader of the X-Men further solidified his status as a versatile actor in major film franchises.

In December 2010, Patrick Stewart was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 in the New Year Honours, and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for services to drama in 2010. The knighthood recognized Stewart’s considerable accomplishments in acting and his contributions to the performing arts.

In 2013, Patrick Stewart won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in William Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet' at the National Theatre. His interpretation of Claudius was praised for its depth and nuance, further cementing his status as one of the greatest living Shakespearean actors of his time.

'Blunt Talk', a comedy series starring Patrick Stewart, premiered on October 31, 2015, on Starz. Stewart played the role of Walter Blunt, a British newscaster who moves to Los Angeles with the intent to conquer American cable news. The series was praised for Stewart's comedic performance, showcasing his range beyond dramatic roles.

On January 23, 2020, 'Star Trek: Picard' premiered on CBS All Access, marking the return of Patrick Stewart to his legendary role as Jean-Luc Picard. The series follows an aging Picard dealing with the consequences of his past, exploring themes of redemption and legacy. Stewart’s reprisal of Picard was met with critical acclaim.