Who is Patrick Stewart? Why is Patrick Stewart Replacing a New CEO?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 17, 2023
Who is Patrick Stewart?
Patrick Stewart is an esteemed English actor with a career spanning an impressive seven decades across various performing arts mediums. His contributions to theatre, film, television, and even video games have earned him accolades and nominations for prestigious awards, including Olivier, Tony, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Stewart's association with the Royal Shakespeare Company began in 1966, and he made his Broadway debut in 1971 with a production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." His talent in theatre was recognized with the Laurence Olivier Award in 1979 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in "Antony and Cleopatra."
While his early television roles included "Coronation Street" in 1967, Stewart gained widespread recognition for his performances in series like "Fall of Eagles" (1974), "I, Claudius" (1976), and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" (1979). His notable film roles include "Excalibur" (1981) and "Dune" (1984).
Patrick Stewart achieved international fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987–94), reprising the role in subsequent films and the series "Star Trek: Picard" (2020–23). He demonstrated his versatility with roles such as Captain Ahab in "Moby Dick" (1998), Ebenezer Scrooge in TNT's "A Christmas Carol" (1999), and King Henry II in Showtime's "The Lion in Winter" (2003).
Beyond his dramatic roles, Stewart showcased his comedic talent in sitcoms like "Frasier" and "Extras," earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. He also led the series "Blunt Talk" (2015–2016) and voices CIA Deputy Director Avery Bullock on "American Dad!"
Name
Patrick Stewart
Gender
Male
Born
13 July 1940
Born Place
Mirfield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England
Age
83
Alma Mater
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Occupation
Actor
Years Active
1959–present
Spouses
Sheila Falconer (m. 1966; div. 1990)
Wendy Neuss (m. 2000; div. 2003)
Sunny Ozell (m. 2013)
Children
2
Specifications
Details
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Why is Patrick Stewart Replacing a New CEO?
The decision to appoint Patrick Stewart as the interim CEO of Manchester United follows the departure of Richard Arnold, who had served in the role for 16 years. There are several reasons behind Patrick Stewart's appointment and the transition in leadership.
Manchester United is confident that Patrick Stewart, with his 17 years of experience working across various aspects of the club and football, will provide deep knowledge and stability during the transitional period. His familiarity with the inner workings of the club positions him as a figure who can maintain stability while changes are being considered.
Stewart's current role as the club's legal counsel and his extensive experience working within Manchester United make him a known and respected figure both inside the club and across the football community. His understanding of the club's operations and relationships with governing bodies is seen as an asset during this interim period.
Stewart is described as a highly experienced and respected figure by his colleagues. His existing role within the leadership team indicates that he is familiar with the club's strategic direction and is well-placed to lead the team during the transition.
The appointment of Patrick Stewart on an interim basis allows the club's owners to take the necessary time to identify the right candidate for the long-term position of CEO. This approach ensures a careful and considered search for the permanent replacement without rushing into decisions.
The potential investment by the Ineos Group is a factor in considering the appointment of a new CEO. With former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc under consideration for a permanent role, Stewart's interim appointment allows for a smooth transition and ensures the club is well-prepared for any changes that may come with the Ineos Group investment.
The departure of Richard Arnold is portrayed as an amicable one, acknowledging his significant contributions to transforming the club's commercial operations and driving revenues to record levels. Stewart's interim role comes as the club looks to maintain stability while undergoing changes and continues to build on the foundations laid by Arnold.
Patrick Stewart Career
Patrick Stewart's illustrious career shows his versatility and talent across various mediums, including stage, film, television, and voice work.
Early Acting Career
Stewart's journey into the world of acting began with his first professional stage appearance at the Theatre Royal, Bristol, in 1959. He joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966 and remained with them until 1982. During this period, he appeared in numerous television series, showcasing his acting prowess in roles such as Vladimir Lenin in "Fall of Eagles," Sejanus in "I, Claudius," and Karla in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy." Stewart also took on various film roles, including King Leondegrance in "Excalibur" and Gurney Halleck in "Dune."
Star Trek: The Next Generation
In 1987, Stewart took on the iconic role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Initially skeptical about the show's success, he became an integral part of the series, earning accolades for his professionalism and dedication. Stewart reprised the role in subsequent "Star Trek" films, becoming unexpectedly wealthy due to the franchise's success. His portrayal of Picard is considered a highlight of his career, and he continued to play the character in various films and TV episodes.
X-Men Film Series and Beyond
Stewart's success in "Star Trek" led to his role as Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film series, further solidifying his presence in the sci-fi and fantasy genres. Despite concerns about typecasting, Stewart's career continued to thrive. He announced his departure from the "X-Men" franchise after the film "Logan" in 2017. In 2022, he portrayed Professor Xavier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."
Theatre
While achieving fame in television and film, Stewart maintained a deep connection to the stage. He returned to the theatre with one-man shows, including a version of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," which he performed in various locations, receiving critical acclaim. Stewart continued to take on challenging Shakespearean roles, earning Laurence Olivier Awards for his performances.
Voice Work
Known for his commanding voice, Stewart lent his vocal talents to various projects, including narrating recordings of classical works, documentaries, and video games. He provided the voice for iconic characters like Professor Xavier in "X-Men" games and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" games.
Later Career
In recent years, Stewart has remained active in the industry, participating in documentaries, television shows, and films. Notably, he reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the new "Star Trek: Picard" series, demonstrating his enduring impact on popular culture.
Legacy
Patrick Stewart's career is marked by a rare blend of classical training, groundbreaking roles, and a willingness to embrace iconic characters. From Shakespearean stages to the vastness of space in "Star Trek" and the superhero realm of "X-Men," Stewart's contributions to entertainment have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Patrick Stewart Achievements
Patrick Stewart's achievements extend beyond his acting career, showcasing his impact on academia, his contributions to the entertainment industry, and his recognition in various prestigious institutions and awards ceremonies.
Patrick Stewart Early Life
Patrick Stewart's early life was shaped in Mirfield, where he attended Crowlees Junior and Infant School, an institution affiliated with the Church of England. It was at this school that Stewart's passion for acting was sparked, thanks to his English teacher, Cecil Dormand. Dormand played a pivotal role in Stewart's journey by placing a copy of Shakespeare in his hands and encouraging him to get up and perform. This early exposure to the world of drama laid the foundation for Stewart's future career.
In 1951, at the age of 11, Stewart transitioned to Mirfield Secondary Modern School, where he continued to pursue his interest in drama. During this time, he met and formed a friendship with fellow actor Brian Blessed while attending a drama course in Mytholmroyd.
At the age of 15, Stewart made the decision to leave school to immerse himself further in local theatre. To support himself financially, he took on a role as a newspaper reporter and obituary writer for the local newspaper. However, his commitment to acting took precedence, and after a year, he quit journalism when faced with an ultimatum to choose between acting and his reporting job.
Stewart's dedication to theatre was evident in his inventive approach to balancing work and rehearsals. Despite his employment in a furniture store, he would attend theatre rehearsals during his supposed work hours and then create stories for the newspaper, blending his passion for acting with his professional responsibilities.
Notably, Stewart's job at the furniture store allowed him flexibility to attend rehearsals and apply his acting skills in a unique way. Tailoring his sales pitch for each customer, he found that his thespian talents were not only compatible with his work but also enhanced his productivity in sales.
During this period, Stewart also trained in boxing, showcasing his diverse interests. Acting, for him, served as a means of self-expression during his youth. Stewart's commitment to his craft led to a pivotal moment when he and Brian Blessed received grants to attend the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, marking a significant step in his formal training as an actor. These early experiences and influences played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of Patrick Stewart's remarkable career.
Patrick Stewart Family Background
Patrick Stewart was born in Mirfield, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, on July 13, 1940, to Gladys (née Barrowclough) and Alfred Stewart. His father, Alfred, served as a regimental sergeant major in the British Army during the Second World War and later worked as a general laborer and postman. Alfred Stewart passed away in 1980. Gladys Stewart, Patrick's mother, was a weaver and textile worker.
Patrick Stewart grew up with two older brothers, Geoffrey (born in 1925) and Trevor (born in 1935). The family faced financial challenges, and Patrick spent a significant part of his childhood in Jarrow, where they lived in a modest household. Unfortunately, his early life was marked by domestic violence, with Patrick experiencing abuse from his father.
Alfred Stewart, Patrick's father, had served during the Dunkirk evacuation in World War II. The trauma from wartime experiences led to combat fatigue, now recognized as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition had a lasting impact on the family dynamics. In a reflection on his father's influence, Patrick Stewart mentioned in 2008 that his father was a formidable and powerful figure who was accustomed to getting what he wanted. The effects of his father's presence and demeanor were such that it took many years for Patrick to realize how his father's traits had subtly woven into his own identity.
Patrick Stewart's acknowledgment of his father's influence became poignant when he mentioned growing a mustache for a role in Macbeth. Despite his father not having one, when Patrick looked in the mirror before going on stage, he saw his father's face staring back at him, a testament to the lasting impact of family experiences on his life and career.
Patrick Stewart Wife and Children
Patrick Stewart's personal life has been marked by marriages to Sheila Falconer, Wendy Neuss, and his current wife, Sunny Ozell, as well as his close relationship with his children, Daniel and Sophia, from his first marriage.
Sheila Falconer (m. 1966–1990)
Patrick Stewart married Sheila Falconer in 1966, and they were together until their divorce in 1990. The couple has two children: a son named Daniel and a daughter named Sophia. Daniel Stewart followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor. He appeared alongside Patrick Stewart in various projects, including the film "Death Train," the sitcom "Blunt Talk," and the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode "The Inner Light," where he played Patrick Stewart's on-screen son.
Wendy Neuss (m. 2000–2003)
In 1997, Stewart became engaged to Wendy Neuss, an American producer, and one of the producers of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." They got married on 25 August 2000 but divorced three years later in 2003.
Lisa Dillon (Romantic involvement in 2003–2007)
Four months before his divorce from Neuss, Patrick Stewart co-starred with English actress Lisa Dillon in a production of "The Master Builder." The two were romantically involved until 2007.
Sunny Ozell (m. 2013–present)
In 2008, Patrick Stewart began dating American singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell, whom he met while performing in "Macbeth" at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. They got engaged in March 2013 and were married in September 2013, with Ian McKellen officiating the ceremony.
In 2020, Stewart revealed that their marriage in Nevada had not been legally binding due to invalid marriage credentials. They subsequently held an official second ceremony at a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles.
Patrick Stewart Net Worth
Patrick Stewart Net Worth is $75 million. His source of income comes from various avenues, reflecting his diverse career in acting and entertainment. Stewart has had a prolific acting career in both film and television. His roles in iconic franchises like "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and the "X-Men" film series have contributed significantly to his earnings.
Stewart is a distinguished stage actor with a background in classical theatre. His performances in plays and one-man shows, both in the UK and the United States, have been a source of income throughout his career. Known for his strong and authoritative voice, Stewart has lent his voice to various projects, including narrations for documentaries, commercials, and animated films. This has been an additional source of income for him.
Patrick Stewart has been involved in commercials, including advertisements for brands like TSB Bank, Domestos bleach, Moneysupermarket.com, and others. These endorsement deals contribute to his income. Stewart has held academic roles, such as chancellor of the University of Huddersfield and a professor of performing arts. These positions, along with teaching master classes, have been part of his income stream.
Who is Patrick Stewart - FAQs
Patrick Stewart is a renowned English actor born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, England. He gained international fame for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" film series.
Stewart's acting career began with stage performances in the UK, including his association with the Royal Shakespeare Company. His breakthrough in Hollywood came with "Star Trek" in 1987, following a successful career in classical theatre and various TV and film roles.
Patrick Stewart has received multiple awards and accolades, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for "Star Trek: The Next Generation." He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his services to drama and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to his acting career, Stewart has served as the chancellor of the University of Huddersfield and holds the position of professor of performing arts. He is involved in various philanthropic activities and has been a voice actor in several films and documentaries.
Yes, Patrick Stewart remains active in the entertainment industry. He reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the "Star Trek: Picard" series. He also portrayed Professor Xavier in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," released in 2022.