It has been nearly three decades since Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) captivated audiences with its new cast of aspiring actors, including Patrick Stewart. Although the show faced skepticism in introducing new Star Trek canon after a 20-year hiatus, it proved to be a gamble that paid off. Stewart, who played the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard, skyrocketed to stardom. In his newly released memoir, Making It So: A Memoir, he reflects on his time on TNG and shares an exclusive excerpt that sheds light on a particularly challenging moment during the show’s first season.
Stewart’s experiences at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre had deeply shaped his approach to acting. He was accustomed to intense and serious performances, which often clashed with his co-stars’ more lighthearted approach. The tension came to a head when Stewart called a meeting to lecture the cast on what he perceived as excessive goofing off. He even responded curtly to a comment from Denise Crosby, who suggested that they should have fun sometimes. Stewart famously retorted, “We are not here, Denise, to have fun.”
Stewart’s frustration got the best of him, as he stormed off the set and into his trailer, slamming the door behind him. This outburst was certainly not the most mature or effective way to address the issue at hand. He acknowledges that he mishandled the situation and failed to read the room, imposing the behavior he had become accustomed to from his theater background onto his television co-stars. It was a humbling moment for Stewart, who realized that being standoffish and viewing himself as a superior actor was not the way to be a true leader within the team.
TNG was Stewart’s first regular television role, and he was earning more money than he had ever made in London. The show also faced predictions of ending similarly to its predecessor, adding to the mounting pressure. Stewart felt the weight of expectation and was determined to prove everyone wrong. However, his strong desire to succeed may have clouded his judgment at times.
A Lesson Learned
It was Jonathan Frakes, who portrayed Commander William Riker, who approached Stewart with a gentle reality check. Frakes acknowledged that there might indeed be excessive goofing off on set but reminded Stewart that his approach as a stage leader needed to be more inclusive. The episodic nature of television required a different mindset than what Stewart was accustomed to from his theater background. This encounter served as a crucial turning point for Stewart, as he recognized the need to adapt his behavior to better fit the medium in which he was working.
Patrick Stewart’s early years on Star Trek: The Next Generation were filled with both triumphs and challenges. His memoir, Making It So: A Memoir, offers readers a glimpse into the journey he embarked on as he went from an unknown and untested actor to an iconic television star. The excerpt released by The Hollywood Reporter showcases a tense moment during TNG’s first season, where Stewart’s frustration got the better of him. However, it also highlights the lesson he learned from that experience and how he grew as a leader within the TNG cast. As fans eagerly await the release of his memoir this Tuesday, they can gain a deeper understanding of the actor behind the legendary character Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
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