OT: Happy 70th, Sir Patrick Stewart!

Submitted by BenGoBlue on

In light of the nod to Harrison Ford's b-day, I feel it is only fair to honor Patrick Stewart, who has reached the 70 year milestone today.  I'm sure I am not alone on this board in being a fan of Star Trek: TNG, the show that first introduced most of us to his acting talents.  He also did a fine job as Professor X in the X-Men movie series and as Ebenezer Scrooge in what I consider to be one of the best TV renditions of "A Christmas Carol." (He has done far more extensive work in film, TV and voiceover; these are just roles I'm most familiar with)

What many of you may also know (or not) is that he is a classically trained stage actor, and is a renowned honorary member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, which he first joined in 1966.  This background led him directly to a relationship with U of M, when he participated as the headlining actor in their most recent residency on campus in 2006.  Having been a huge fan of his for many years prior, it was a thrill for me to see him at the Power Center in the title role in Antony and Cleopatra (he also did The Tempest, which I missed), as well as witness him conduct the Michigan Marching Band in a round of "The Victors" at the Ball State game that season.  It was certainly a memorable fall season in Ann Arbor, and Mr. Stewart made it that much more special for me.  I like to think that it was also a unique experience for him as an accomplished actor. 

So, Happy Birthday Sir Patrick, and thanks for the Shakespeare brilliance and Michigan Stadium memories!

BenGoBlue

July 13th, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^

Thems fightin' words amongst us Trekkies (or Trekkers, if you prefer)  Truth be told, I grew up on Star Trek and I shunned Star Wars for many years because it always had the more mainstream following, but I eventually relented and watched and enjoyed Star Wars as well.  I still certainly favor Star Trek though...agree to disagree.

Shaqsquatch

July 13th, 2010 at 7:06 PM ^

That argument is irrelevant because we all know what's superior to both...

But in all seriousness, all 3 are fantastic sci-fi IPs (even if two nights ago I saw the most ridiculous episode of TNG I've ever seen, involving a space version of Captain Jack Sparrow who was really a misunderstood guy, and Data learning the true meaning of comedy.)

Blazefire

July 13th, 2010 at 4:11 PM ^

for he and John de Lancie to get into some sort of weird argument/fight someday in the nursing home. Patrick Stewart will keep telling John de Lancie he has no right to take his applesauce, and John de Lancie will tell him it's part of the test and he's being barbaric.

BenGoBlue

July 13th, 2010 at 4:47 PM ^

Your scenario created a hillarious mental sequence that played out in my mind...it could only end with applesauce all over everyone and one or both of them fallen out of their wheelchairs calling to Dr. Crusher for help...well played, sir.

Don

July 13th, 2010 at 4:56 PM ^

Yeah, but I bet she has Data doing the dirty work of changing their diapers.

"Sir, you have appeared to fill your diapers yet again. It is my duty to remind you that it is against Star Fleet regulations to shit yourself more than once a day. While I am not human, I confess to a certain revulsion at seeing your excrement on a daily basis."

Beavis

July 13th, 2010 at 4:16 PM ^

Oh man, first it's Patrick Stewart and the next thing you know it's Bruce Valanche (sp?).

"Hey everyone, look it's the Coon.

Is that Bruce Valanche?"

Don

July 13th, 2010 at 4:44 PM ^

Is there a more perfectly shaped pate in the known universe? It's like it was engineered, free of the weird lumps, bumps, knots, and unsightly bulges that my rock has.

saveferris

July 13th, 2010 at 5:08 PM ^

No disrepect to Mr. Stewart's head, but did anyone else find it curious that in the 24th century, nobody had found a solution for baldness?  Dr. Crusher could fix a broken leg in minutes, extract millions of Borg nanoprobes from your body, and completely resequence your DNA, but restimulate hair folicles....sorry can't help you.

Logan88

July 13th, 2010 at 6:43 PM ^

I honestly thought I might be the only person in America who had ever seen this show. This scene always has me rolling.

My favorite line in the whole scene is the final one in this clip: " You're not married, you don't have a girlfriend and you don't watch Star Trek ? ....Good Lord." Gold, Jerry, Gold!

I also enjoyed the Kate Winslet and Daniel Radcliffe cameos on the show.

pullin4blue

July 13th, 2010 at 10:39 PM ^

I had tix to the RSC programs. They were phenomenal and the credit goes to Michael Kondziolka of the University Musical Society. All the innovative and great programs are brought here because of him. Just another unsung Michigan hero.

Aside from that note, I did see the Tempest and Patrick Stewart was outstanding. I would never guess he is 70. Also loved him in Dune and Star Trek, the Next Generation, especially as loqutis (sp?) of Borg. 

Tim Waymen

July 14th, 2010 at 12:40 AM ^

I'm not a Star Trek fan at all, and X-Men 2 was the only good one in the trilogy (sorry to all those who liked X-Men 1, and X-Men Origins Wolverine was absolutely terrible), but Sir Patrick Stewart earned a special place in my heart that day he conducted the MMB and told the team to boldly go into Columbus and beat the Buckeyes.