Before captain, a king: The dramatic life of Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart, best known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," was born with a passion for Shakespeare and the stage that never waned. Before his fame in Hollywood, Stewart spent a significant portion of his career on the British stage, where he honed his craft as a Shakespearean actor. He spent over a decade with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), performing in over 40 productions and earning high praise for his work.

Among his most memorable roles were Shylock, Prospero, Macbeth, Henry IV, and Mark Antony. Despite being approached to star in "Star Trek" by his friend Ian McKellen, Stewart chose to follow his passion for Shakespeare, warning McKellen against losing himself in Hollywood. This decision proved to be a wise one, as Stewart's performances on the stage were always his true calling.

His partnership with McKellen, both on stage and in film, was a memorable double act that delighted audiences and critics alike. In later years, Stewart continued to draw inspiration from Shakespeare, even recording one of the poet's sonnets daily during the COVID-19 pandemic to share with his fans. His love for Shakespeare remained a constant throughout his long and illustrious career.