Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for playing Captain Picard in Star Trek and Professor X in X-Men, made his first television appearance in a 1967 episode of Coronation Street. He played a fireman called to tackle a blaze alongside characters such as Len Fairclough, Dennis Tanner and Ken Barlow. At the time, Stewart was an unknown compared with those famous names.
A Career That Spanned Decades
Stewart, who died this week at the age of 86, had a career spanning theatre, television and film. He was also known for his comic roles as Deputy Director Bullock in American Dad and baby Susie in Family Guy, as well as his performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His death prompted an international wave of tributes. Stewart died after a brief battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
Final Role and Tributes
His final role is yet to be released, appearing alongside his longtime friend Sir Ian McKellen in Avengers: Doomsday. Sir Ian described him as the most respected and beloved actor of his generation.
In a statement posted to social media, Sir Ian said: 'You could hear it in his accented voice and in the stern honesty with which he told you what he thought and felt.' He added: 'Yorkshiremen have no truck with half-truths or avoidance of big issues. He wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love.'
Sir Ian later appeared in Coronation Street himself, in a memorable role as con-artist author Mel Hutchwright.
