Sir Patrick the Great

In every lifetime someone comes along as a voice of humanity. They’re not just the voice of a generation, they transcend generations, bridging the gap between the young and the elder, foreign and domestic, Black and White. Do you know of such a person? I do. His name is Sir Patrick Stewart and this is his legacy.

Patrick Stewart was born on July 13, 1940 in Yorkshire, England. The youngest of three boys, his mother Gladys was a weaver and textile worker and his father Alfred served in the British army during World War 2. Stewart had a very impoverished upbringing. His father was also domestically abusive to his mother, much of which was believed to be attributed to the ptsd he dealt with from his wartime years.

Patrick became interested in the world of performing arts at a very young age thanks to his English teacher who exposed him to the work of William Shakespeare when he was just 11 years old. By his mid teens Patrick had left school to pursue theater. It was also at this time that he worked in journalism to support himself before eventually taking a job as a furniture salesman as it worked better with his theater schedule. Eventually Patrick recieved grants to attend Bristol Old Vic Theatre School which would eventually align him with his career in film.

By the late 50’s and early 60’s, Stewart made a name for himself in the world of British theater with his role in Cyrano de Bergerac and would eventually make his on screen debut in the British soap opera series Coronation Street. He also had a role in the television adaptation of Hamlet alongside his longtime friend, the legendary Ian Richardson.

It was in the 1970’s that Patrick Stewart would bring his knowledge and talents to the United States when he arrived in Los Angeles, California after being summoned to aid in educating aspiring American theater students on William Shakespeare’s work. It was also here that Patrick’s career took a dramatic twist that would define his future. Though Stewart originally wanted to focus on traditional theater dramas, an opportunity came to work in the world of sci-fi in one of the most beloved sci-fi epics in American cinematic history.

After appearing in a number of productions in American entertainment media as well as the stage, Patrick Stewart landed the role of Jean Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Interestingly enough, Stewart didn’t think the show would be a huge hit as he was unaware of the cultural influence that Star Trek had on the world of entertainment. He low-key was hoping the show wouldn’t last when he initially took the role as its demise would allow him to get back to his work on the British stage. However, once his place in Star Trek took off, there was no going back.

It was his work on Star Trek that introduced me to Patrick Stewart. I remember watching Star Trek: Insurrection with my dad when it first came out. This was the time period that made me a fan of Patrick Stewart and that says alot because I wasn’t particularly a big Star Trek person, but I enjoyed every part of it that had Patrick Stewart in it. He just had this sophistication and charisma about him that made him so lovable. That appreciation only grew when just a couple years later he portrayed one of my favorite comic book characters.

In the year 2000 Patrick Stewart made a new landfall in the world of film when he portrayed professor Charles Xavier in the Fox Studios adaptation of Marvel Comics X-Men. Starring alongside Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Famke Jenssen, James Marsden and his longtime friend, Sir Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart led a pack of special beings who’s journey would pave the way for the future of the comic book film genre. This was also where he instantly became one of my favorite actors.

I really grew fond of everything Patrick Stewart made because his work touched base in every category I enjoyed. I think the greatest Christmas story ever is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and for me personally, Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge was the best and most believable version ever. I also love all the kids movies he starred in that were some of my favorites growing up like The Prince of Egypt and Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. Though Patrick generally played the good guy in most of his stories, I really appreciated his willingness to branch out and play villain roles as well like when he played the character Darcy in the neo-nazi thriller, The Green Room.

This is the part that gets bittersweet. So it was on October 28th 2026 that the world was given the news that Captain Picard and Professor X himself had made his final expedition, fought his final battle and went home. Patrick Stewart passed away at the age of 86. Like everyone else I didn’t wanna believe the news was true.

We lost the life of a great man who gave the best of himself to the world. He was a lover of mankind, an advocate for the disadvantaged and the voice of artistry that touched the lives of every generation who was given the privilege to watch him perform. This is truly one of my favorite actors ever. Though I’m sad that he has passed away, I treasure all the memories he left behind for me with his work. He was serious and commanding, but he also knew how to be funny and laidback and he never saw himself as being above anyone. Whether he was in the biggest budget major motion picture or the smallest independent film that only a select few watched, Patrick Stewart graced everyone with his on screen presence.

Patrick Stewart once said that he’d be an actor forever because he couldn’t see himself doing anything else. I’m thankful to know as a fan that his story has not yet concluded. Patrick’s final film is the most anticipated film of the past couple years, Avengers: Doomsday. We get to see him give us one last hoorah as Professor Charles Xavier, perhaps his most beloved role. I for one will definitely be there opening night to see him give us one last dance and for the many dances that he has given us as fans, we all say a big farewell and thank you to Sir Patrick Stewart.

~Dedicated to the great Sir Patrick Stewart.