Patrick Stewart Tells BBC’s Terry Wogan How He Became Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a 1988 Interview
During a 1988 interview with BBC host Sir Terry Wogan, the late, great Sir Patrick Stewart discussed the unexpected origins of his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, a role that reshaped his career. Stewart shared several humorous insights into Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s production style and what it was like for a British man to join an established American cultural phenomenon.
Stewart reveals how a chance encounter with producer Robert H. Justman at UCLA led to him taking command of the Starship Enterprise as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Stewart also said he quickly got up to speed on the proper Star Trek vernacular.
He discusses discovering the passionate fan community who prefer to be known as “Trekkers” rather than “Trekkies”.
Stewart also recalled attending his first convention, where he faced more than 3,000 fans in a Denver hotel ballroom, an experience he likened to being a rock star.
The Creative Brilliance of Sir Patrick Stewart
Stewart passed away at his Los Angeles home at the age of 86, following “a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia”.
Rest in Peace, Sir Patrick — Engage and Be Free.
