Sir Patrick Stewart enjoyed his most successful years as an actor relatively late in life, after briefly working in journalism as a young man. Born near Huddersfield, a town he remained close to, he chose the stage after an editor pointed out that he had to decide between acting and reporting, having noticed his attention turning to the theatre.
From Shakespeare to Star Trek
He built a solid career in Shakespeare and even appeared in Coronation Street before being propelled to a new level of fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the reboot of Star Trek.
Beyond acting, Stewart was a long-time campaigner for the Labour Party and lent his name to causes such as medicinal cannabis and the Remain campaign in the Brexit referendum. His support of Huddersfield Town and his role as chancellor of the town’s university kept him connected to his roots.
Friendships and Later Life
He formed a close and openly affectionate friendship with Sir Ian McKellen, another actor who did not take the usual route to stardom. Married three times and with children, Stewart died in Los Angeles after a battle with dementia.
