Making It So

1. From humble beginnings to Shakespearean actor: Patrick Stewart's journey

"I was only ten when he passed away, and I missed him dearly thereafter."

Childhood in Yorkshire. Patrick Stewart grew up in a working-class family in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. His father, Alfred, was a regimental sergeant major with a volatile temper, while his mother, Gladys, worked in a textile mill. Despite the challenges of his upbringing, including witnessing domestic violence, Stewart found solace in acting from a young age.

Early acting experiences:

• Joined local amateur dramatic societies
• Performed in school plays
• Attended drama courses at Mytholmroyd

Professional development:

• Trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
• Joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1966
• Performed in numerous classical and contemporary plays

Stewart's journey from a small Yorkshire town to becoming a respected Shakespearean actor demonstrates his determination and passion for the craft. His experiences in regional theater and with the RSC laid the foundation for his later success in television and film.

2. Star Trek: The Next Generation launches Stewart to global fame

"We are not here, Denise, to have fun."

Unexpected casting. Stewart was initially skeptical about taking on the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was unfamiliar with the franchise and believed the show wouldn't last beyond its first season. However, the role would become career-defining and introduce him to a global audience.

Challenges and growth:

• Adjusting to American television production
• Learning to relax and have fun on set
• Developing Picard's character over seven seasons

Impact on career:

• Increased visibility and recognition
• Opened doors to new opportunities in film and television
• Balanced stage work with screen roles

Stewart's initial seriousness on set, exemplified by his famous quote about not being there to have fun, evolved as he grew more comfortable with the role and his castmates. The success of Star Trek: TNG transformed Stewart from a respected theater actor to a household name, demonstrating the power of television to launch careers to new heights.

3. The art of acting: Stewart's approach to theater and television

"It is not about being clever—it is about being truthful and vulnerable."

Theatrical training. Stewart's approach to acting is deeply rooted in his theatrical background. He emphasizes the importance of text analysis, character development, and physical presence on stage. His method involves:

• Multiple readings of the script to understand character and story
• Exploring the character's objectives and motivations
• Developing a character's physicality and voice

Adapting to screen. When transitioning to television and film, Stewart had to adjust his technique:

• Learning to act for the camera
• Understanding the importance of subtlety and nuance
• Balancing theatrical training with the demands of screen acting

Stewart's commitment to truthfulness and vulnerability in performance has been a constant throughout his career. Whether on stage or screen, he strives to find the humanity in each character, allowing audiences to connect with even the most fantastical roles, such as Captain Picard in Star Trek: TNG.

4. Personal struggles: Balancing career success with family life

"I was the one responsible. Yet I also felt that getting divorced was ultimately the most responsible thing I could do."

Career vs. family. Stewart's rising fame and demanding schedule put strain on his personal relationships. His marriage to Sheila Falconer, with whom he had two children, ended in divorce after 24 years. The actor candidly reflects on the difficulties of maintaining a family life while pursuing a successful acting career.

Challenges faced:

• Long periods away from home
• Diverging life goals with his wife
• Guilt over the impact on his children

Personal growth:

• Learning to balance work and personal life
• Developing deeper relationships with his children as adults
• Finding new love later in life

Stewart's honesty about his personal struggles offers insight into the often-unseen costs of fame and success in the entertainment industry. His experiences highlight the importance of self-reflection and the ongoing work required to maintain healthy relationships while pursuing a demanding career.

5. A Christmas Carol: Stewart's transformative one-man show

"Patrick... You... are... my... in-spir-a-tion."

Creative renewal. Stewart's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol as a one-man show became a passion project that reinvigorated his love for theater. The production allowed him to showcase his versatility as an actor and reconnect with live audiences during his Star Trek years.

Development of the show:

• Started as a small reading for charity
• Evolved into a full production with minimal staging
• Performed on Broadway and at the Old Vic in London

Impact and reception:

• Critically acclaimed performances
• Emotional connection with audiences
• Personal satisfaction in storytelling and character work

The success of A Christmas Carol demonstrated Stewart's ability to captivate audiences with nothing but his voice and presence. The project also served as a bridge between his television fame and his theatrical roots, earning him respect from both audiences and fellow actors, as evidenced by Kirk Douglas's moving praise.

6. Collaborations and friendships in the entertainment industry

"LeVar is the coolest person I have ever met."

Ensemble spirit. Throughout his career, Stewart has formed strong bonds with fellow actors and crew members. His experiences on Star Trek: TNG created a family-like atmosphere among the cast, leading to lifelong friendships.

Notable collaborations:

• Star Trek: TNG cast (LeVar Burton, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner)
• Royal Shakespeare Company colleagues
• Directors and writers in theater and television

Benefits of collaboration:

• Mutual support and encouragement
• Creative inspiration and growth
• Lasting personal and professional relationships

Stewart's appreciation for his colleagues, exemplified by his admiration for LeVar Burton, highlights the importance of camaraderie in the entertainment industry. These relationships have not only enhanced his performances but have also provided a support system throughout the ups and downs of his career.

7. Reflections on fame, identity, and the craft of acting

"I decided that Leontes is inside me."

Self-discovery through roles. Stewart's approach to acting often involves finding personal connections to his characters. This process of self-discovery has led to profound insights about his own identity and experiences.

Key aspects of Stewart's acting philosophy:

• Drawing from personal experiences to inform character choices
• Continual learning and growth as an actor
• Balancing technique with emotional truth

Evolution as an actor:

• From classical theater to mainstream television and film
• Embracing new challenges and genres
• Maintaining artistic integrity while enjoying commercial success

Stewart's reflections on his craft reveal a deep commitment to authenticity in performance. His ability to find personal connections to diverse characters, from Shakespearean kings to starship captains, has allowed him to create memorable and relatable performances across various media. This approach to acting not only enriches his work but also contributes to his ongoing personal growth and self-understanding.

Last updated: September 8, 2024