Growing up obsessed with pop culture often creates a strange professional paradox for entertainment journalists. Standing outside a hotel room in Pasadena, California, during the January 2010 Television Critics Association press tour, professional detachment felt nearly impossible. The assignment was an interview with Sir Patrick Stewart, an actor whose work had defined decades of television and film for millions of fans, including the interviewer.
The connection to Stewart's work stretched back to childhood viewings of classic science fiction television. That early fascination naturally transitioned into appointment viewing for Star Trek: The Next Generation throughout its entire seven-season run. Preparing to meet Captain Jean-Luc Picard meant pushing past personal fandom to maintain professional composure.
Fortunately, any initial anxiety dissipated immediately upon entering the room. Stewart proved exceptionally charming, especially after his assistant mentioned a previous interview with Sir Ian McKellen. The conversation was scheduled around his Shakespearean performances for PBS Great Performances, where he portrayed Claudius in Hamlet and the title role in Macbeth. A question provided by a college Shakespeare professor regarding Macbeth sparked an engaging discussion about theatrical interpretations.
The conversation expanded beyond classical theater to touch upon the western adaptation King of Texas, which reimagined King Lear on the frontier. As the allocated ten-minute window drew to a close, a shift toward comedic television, including work with Seth MacFarlane and hosting Saturday Night Live, unexpectedly extended the interview. Before leaving, a brief mention of the acclaimed Star Trek episode The Inner Light revealed it was also among Stewart's personal favorites. A polite request for a quick photograph was ultimately granted, closing out a surreal and unforgettable encounter.
Reflecting on a Memorable Interview With Sir Patrick Stewart
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