On the Passing of Patrick Stewart
It hit me harder than I thought it would. When I heard, today, that actor Sir Patrick Stewart had died, I teared up. And I immediately thought about how I knew him best – as Captain Jean Luc Picard on the TV series “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
I don't remember hardly anything from when I was six years old, but I do remember vividly watching episodes of the first season of ST:TNG and the awe and wonder I felt.
Since that time Picard, and Stewart through much of his other work, have accompanied me throughout the ensuing 39 years of my life until today. So many of my favorite Star Trek moments across any of the various series and films include Picard.
I enjoyed him as Professor Xavier in the X-Men and Marvel films, too, and in many of his other roles in his storied and prolific career.
But one of my favorite roles of his that I think is overlooked and underrated is his portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge in a TNT made-for-TV production of “A Christmas Carol” based on the beloved story by Charles Dickens. I remember first seeing it when it aired on TV in 1999 and years later managed to snag a copy on DVD. To this day, it remains my favorite adaptation of the story, largely because of Stewart's excellent performance.
But to me, he will be most fondly remembered as captain of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D. Boldly going where no one has gone before.
I read Stewart's autobiography “Making It So” not too long ago and couldn't help but admire the man even, flaws and all. What a life he had. And I think he lived it well.
As Captain Picard said at the end of the film “Star Trek: Generations” ...
Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived.
Based on what I know of the man, I like to think that it was Sir Patrick Stewart speaking those lines with conviction and meaning them just as much as Captain Jean Luc Picard in that moment.
Farewell, Sir Patrick Stewart. Your work has brought joy and hope to millions. Thank you for making it so.
#100DaysToOffload (No. 190) #gratitude #movies #TV #tribute