Patrick Stewart has garnered global acclaim with his contribution to the sci-fi genre. Be it X-Men or MCU, the actor has captivated audiences’ attention with his enduring talent but his worldwide fame kickstarted with his leading role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994).
Although the actor gained numerous perks of starring in the sci-fi saga, his accomplishments didn’t arrive easily as he had to face several hardships which included being considered a skeptical casting choice.
Patrick Stewart Got Candid About His Time in Star Trek: The Next Generation
Back in 1987, Patrick Stewart was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) which completely changed his career trajectory, catapulting him to stardom. However, that decision was initially met with skepticism due to several reasons.
He recalled a 1987 story when the Los Angeles Times reported his casting in the franchise as “an unknown British Shakespearean actor.”
Although the actor was indeed an unknown in the industry at the time, he, like anyone, felt bad about that description. In an appearance on Q with Tom Power podcast via CBC, he reflected on the same, stating,
It was somewhat discouraging to me at the time because I’d done no series television, certainly not in Hollywood.
He further reflected on the story when he found a sign pinned to the door that read, “Beware: unknown British Shakespearean actor,” in large letters when he arrived at his trailer one morning.
He was a distinguished Shakespearean actor from the UK but his casting garnered mixed response due to his background and age. Initially having doubts, it all changed when his co-star, Brent Spiner pulled a light prank on him. He continued,
“But the whole feeling about it changed when the next morning, I arrived at my trailer — which was a very modest trailer, not a first class leading actor trailer that we eventually had — and pinned to the door of my trailer it said in large letters, ‘Beware: unknown British Shakespearean actor.’ Oh, it didn’t take me long to work out this was the fun and games of Brent Spiner, who, of course, played Data, the android.”
Initially viewed as a rather skeptical prank, it was a light-hearted way of accepting the MCU actor. It also showcased that the actor indeed has his mixed moments on the show, which indicated how his casting was considered unconventional for a leading role in American television.
Patrick Stewart is ‘Glad’ on Getting Global Fame in His 40s
Given that the actor has long been active in the industry, it wasn’t until The Next Generation that he garnered prominence, which he believed happened for a reason. Reflecting on his successful journey, he mentioned, “I am glad that my TV and film career didn’t take off until I was in my forties.”
By the time fame knocked at his door, he was well prepared to welcome it with warm arms, leaving less scope for overwhelming emotions, which are often seen in actors, who taste prominence at a young age.
He added, “I think by then I was mature enough not to be overwhelmed by the experiences.”
Despite the initial doubts and skepticism he faced in Hollywood, he eventually tackled it all with his acting prowess, becoming a celebrated icon of science fiction television.
His success also became a beacon of light for other non-traditional actors as the actor broke the industry’s limitations be it age and appearance, reflecting that his true capabilities are more than enough to pull off any role.
After cementing an enduring legacy with his Picard role, he reprised the character in its subsequent films and Star Trek: Picard (2020–23).
Star Trek: The Next Generation can be streamed on Paramount+.
