I’m about a third of the way through, in the part where he’s shed his Irish accent and working-class, hardscrabble home, devoted mother and difficult father, gotten himself trained as an actor, and has a gig traveling with a repertoire group with Vivien Leigh. He’s bummed out because he’s been cast as an understudy for a character with an 8-line role.
It’s a lovely read, especially suited to drowning out this moments’ cacophony of politics. Patrick Stewart sounds like he was a really nice human being as well as a hunk... what can I say, I have a thing for kind, smart men with bald heads.
Are any of you fans of Star Trek, and if so which iteration? And if not, is there a series (movie? Tv?) that intrigued you enough so that if one of the lead players wrote an autobiography, you’d read it? Who piques your curiosity??
RHYS BOWEN: I remember the first shows of the original Star Trek (how that dates me!) I didn’t think I was a fan of sci-fi but I was staying with friends in New York and they had to rush home to watch the show. How stupid, I thought Then I watched and I was hooked. Even though the scenery was paper mache rocks in those days and the special effects were… not too special.
When my oldest daughter Clare was a teenager she and her friends were obsessed. They taught themselves Vulcan and greeted each other with weird signs. I’ve enjoyed all the incarnations but none as much as the original.
I’m trying to think which other series have hooked me enough that I’d want to read autobiographies. I’ve read Carol Burnett’s. She always impressed me so much. Maybe Judy Dench. I’m a big fan.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Hallie, what a great post.
I got hooked on the original series when I was in college and it first went into syndication. I watched every episode multiple times, and then I watched every incarnation of ST from then on. Of them all, I think The Next Generation was my favorite. Such a great cast, not least, of course, the great Patrick Stewart.
I have to admit to having watched hours of the tributes to him last week. What a remarkable man, and such a good one. He was also, apparently, wickedly funny.
We have liked the newer series, ST Discovery, and also ST Strange New Worlds, but we are behind on the latest of that. (Ethan Peck as Spock!) But overall I think the ideals of Star Trek have gone a long way towards shaping my world view.
LUCY BURDETTE: Not a Star Trek watcher here.
John and I have been re-watching Nashville and so John has been listening to Hayden Panatierre’s autobiography, published shortly before her overdose death. He’s reporting to me what he learns as I don’t have time to read it right now. Hearing her real-life story is so sad, and it actually mirrors some of the worst twists in the TV show. I was disappointed to hear that she didn’t enjoy the filming of that series–we want all our fictional friends to have gotten along in real life!
JENN MCKINLAY: LOVED the original Star Trek. Caught it in reruns after school in the 70’s. Such a great show. Way ahead of its time but when I learned Lucille Ball was a producer, it made sense as she, too, was way ahead of her time.
I fell away from some of the franchise offshoots but did love The Next Generation and especially Patrick Stewart. I’m glad to know he was as good of a man as he seemed.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Ah, yikes. I am not sure I have ever seen a Star Trek .::Ducking:: I must have, right? It all feels very familiar, but ..it might just be all the references that make it feel like I’ve seen it. Should I start now? And if there were an autobiography of Aaron Sorkin, I might read that. The West Wing is so brilliant.
LUCY again: Hank, speaking of Aaron Sorkin, we saw the revival of A FEW GOOD MEN at Lincoln Center last week. I worried that it would seem dated, but it was wonderful. By the way, Bradley Whitford was the evil military man in the show, and he plays Todd Penn, the president’s husband, on THE DIPLOMAT. All that to say yes, I’d read Aaron Sorkin’s autobio!
HANK: Oh, lucky you! I’d adore to see that. Brad Whitford as Jack Nicholson! Amazing.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’ve been a Trek fan since I discovered there was a show in local reruns that had the same kind of science fiction stories I loved reading. I’ve been a Patrick Stewart fan since I had the pleasure of seeing him at the Barbican for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s ‘82-83 season - he was in Tom Stoppard’s play Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and in A Winter’s Tale and Henry IV Parts 1 and 2. Stewart played Leontes in the former and the eponymous king in the latter.
So unlike most American viewers, I was stunned when I first saw The Next Generation. What’s that Shakespearean actor doing in a body suit? (TNG was arguably the best of all the Star Treks, but those were the silliest uniforms.)
Rhys, Judi Dench wrote a delightful book, SHAKESPEARE: THE MAN WHO PAYS THE RENT. It’s half memoir, half commentary on the various plays. You would love it!
HALLIE: So are you fascinated by the real lives of theatre folk? Is there a theatrical autobiography you'd love to get your hands on?
And if you were "into" Star Trek, what do you think has accounted for the way so many of us are still "engaged"?
I am most definitely a "Star Trek" fan . . . Jean and I watched every week when "Star Trek" first aired.
ReplyDeleteI've watched every one of the spin-offs and loved Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. I still enjoy watching the show, but the original series is the one I enjoy the most . . . .
I'm with you, Joan, but the early seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation are by far my favorite. Of course Jean-Luc... but also Troy and Data. When we got to the Borg Ithought it got a little preachy, but the great thing about the series was that, like Twilight Zone, each episode was ABOUT something, even if it was a bit heavy-handed.
DeleteLoved the original ST, watched when it came out, and many times since. But Patrick Stewart was my favorite captain, I suppose, and the character of Data was done so well. I spent too much time reading everything I could about Stewart last week.
ReplyDeleteBut it was a lovely rat hole to go down.
DeleteI'm not a Trekkie, but I watched the original show on TV when it first came out. Haven't seen any of the subsequent shows.
ReplyDeleteI would read a memoir by Helen Mirren if there is one, or Meryl Streep. Being the NPR nerd that I am, I've already read memoirs by Ari Shapiro and Mary Louise Kelly, both whom alas have departed hosting All Things Considered.
Edith, you stirred a memory…”Every Night at Five” Susan Stamburg’s collection of essays about her time on All Things Considered. Her presence during the mid-1990s saved my sanity through a personally difficult time. Elisabeth
DeleteI bet you can hear her voice while reading that! I'll look for the collection. She was a true pioneer.
DeleteNow I'm hearing Susan Stamberg's voice... And adding a vote to Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep. I'd be surprised if those weren't forthcoming.
Deleteme too on Helen Mirren!
DeleteI did watch the original Star Trek as a kid, but wasn’t a huge fan.
ReplyDeleteThe Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family is one of the few audio books I have enjoyed. It is narrated by both Ron and Clint Howard. I’ve also read Being Henry: The Fonz and Beyond by Henry Winkler. I would like to read autobiographies by Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball, and Julie Andrews.
Great choices, Brenda. Going now to read Henry Winkler's. I'm a huge fan.
DeleteWatched the original…in black and white! Then came Next Generation…which was much better…actors, special effects, story lines, and Patrick Stewart and his wonderful voice. Cannot recall reading any auto or regular biographies of actors. Happy Monday. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday! Always a good thing when come Monday, we're still kickin'...
DeleteMASSIVE fan of all incarnations in the Star Trek franchise here.
ReplyDeleteThis is what I wrote about Patrick Stewart's passing on my FB page:
""Time is a companion..."
From 1966 through 1986, he was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. His career on the stage won him nominations and awards both in London and on Broadway. He appeared in a number of movies such as "I, Claudius", "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and on TV in shows such as "Coronation Street".
He would later become Professor Charles Xavier in the original X-Men trilogy as well as the magnificent standalone movie 'Logan'. (With a final appearance to come in a forthcoming movie).
And he would go on to appear in even more movies and TV shows over the years. There was also his one-man show for "A Christmas Carol" of which I am a huge fan.
And during the pandemic, he did daily postings on social media with him reading one Shakespearean sonnet a day as a means of lifting spirits. While I am not a Shakespearean scholar, it made for riveting viewing.
But whether wanted or not, it was his 1987-1994 Star Trek: The Next Generation role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard that made Sir Patrick Stewart an international star. He would go on to reprise his role in four movies and the follow up series "Star Trek: Picard".
I say all that to put into frame what the loss of Sir Patrick Stewart means to not only his family and friends but to legions of disparate fandoms this day.
From "Encounter at Farpoint" to "All Good Things..." and 174 episodes in between, Stewart gave fans a captain who was in many ways the polar opposite of James T. Kirk.
Jean-Luc Picard projected a stiff reserved nature as the latest captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise. He was a man of diplomacy first and foremost. Yet, he could throw down if called upon, even if it was usually the last resort. He dealt with allies, he dealt with enemies and with those that could become one or the other. He reckoned with his actions from the past, defended the Federation and its ideals with every fiber of his being and lent a taut moral authority to his position as Captain.
Yes, we are talking about a show, but the writing and performance made it all feel oh so real. The two-part episode "The Best of Both Worlds" gave you thrills as Picard and the crew went up against the Borg in Part 1, but gave you chills with what happened to him in Part 2.
Throughout the series and movies you had high stakes action with Picard in the lead, but then you got quieter episodes where you saw Stewart's more dramatic chops shine through. The Season 4 episode "Family" where Picard grappled with the guilt of his actions while controlled by the Borg and his reunion with a bitter older brother was magnificent. Or the episode "The Inner Light" where Picard lives the life of a man from a civilization long dead (which is not only recognized as one of the singular best episodes from the entire franchise but won the prestigious Hugo Award). If you've seen the episode, you know it was all built around the ferociously adept performance of Stewart and a story that was note perfect.
And yet for all that, my favorite performance of Patrick Stewart's time as Jean-Luc Picard was in the Season 5 episode "Darmok". What made it so compelling to me was that the plot was built around language. In the episode, Picard is beamed to a planet along with the captain of a ship from the alien race the Tamarians. It's a move made by the Tamarian captain Dathon to try and foster understanding between the Tamarians and the Federation.
Picard has to try and figure out how to communicate with Dathon because the Tamarian's language is of what is termed an allegorical and or metaphorical nature. You can know the vocabulary but without knowing the meaning of the words, Picard can't understand what is trying to be told to him.
You can feel the frustration on both Picard and Dathon's part and then the growing understanding as Picard begins to figure things out and starts to communicate with Dathon and later the crew of the Tamarian ship.
As a fan of stories and how language is used to construct those stories, I was fascinated by this particular episode and it has always stayed with me whenever I have occasion to "Think Trek".
DeleteThis is of course a bit of cherry picking the best parts of what Patrick Stewart brought to bear on Star Trek: The Next Generation. But there are many instances where he is simply mesmerizing both here and in any number of his other credits.
And that's what we as fans have lost with Patrick Stewart's passing at the age of 86.
I got to watch his career progress for nearly 40 years and when I first was told the news, I was deeply saddened. Then I came to recall that I have that four decade body of work to keep with me and continually celebrate the memory of the man who did indeed "Make it So".
But that doesn't lessen that feeling of loss and sadness because now and forevermore, there will be an empty seat at The Captain's Table.
Sir Patrick Stewart says it best in the video I've linked below and may he Rest in Peace. Thank you good Sir. Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T_J3Vuu1GY
Thank You Jay for such an informative and interesting history of Patrick Stewart and Star Trek.
DeleteOh Jay, this is so eloquent!! And echoes so much of my own feelings. "The Inner Light" and "Darmok" were so transformative that I find myself thinking of them out of the blue sometimes, ruminating on some lesson from them. Thank you for this wonderful post!
DeleteI was so looking forward to what you'd have to say on this topic, Jay! THANK YOU!
DeleteI would have written more but the word limit and timing conspired against me this morning. I am glad people liked what I wrote.
DeleteThank you, Jay, for such a moving and eloquent comment. You've inspired me to rewatch TNG from the beginning.
DeleteChiming in! Thank you Jay--me, too! I am off to find those episodes.
DeleteThanks, Jay. I like space opera novels, too. Have you ever read the Vorkosigan series by Lois McMaster Bujold. They are so clever and funny. Start with SHARDS OF HONOR.
DeleteGreat tribute!
DeleteJay have you considered creating a You Tube channel for book and movie reviews?
I would say blog but they seem to be going the way of dinosaurs.
Anonymous - You're welcome. There's a wealth of material to choose from and you will be spoiled for all those choices.
DeleteSusan - That episode is so popular, they even made that Ressican flute from the episode. You can actually buy one.
Hallie - I'm glad I didn't disappoint.
Deborah - I wish I could write stories as easily as I seem to be able to write tribute pieces. Also, don't hold me responsible for most of the first season of TNG. It took them a bit to find their footing even though there are some pretty good episodes in there.
Hank - You'll have to let us know what you thought.
Kim Hays - I don't read a ton of science fiction books anymore. I do tend to get the Star Trek books and the ones they've done for Firefly but non-franchise books don't get much attention from me much anymore. Except maybe all the Honor Harrington books (and series) by David Weber.
Anonymous 2 - Thank you. I have no talent for the technical side of things and a face built for not being on camera so if there was ever an idea for doing a Youtube channel, it dies a quick death.
Not a Trekkie, but I did watch the original show after school sometimes. I managed to catch some episodes of TNG and adored Patrick Stewart. It was my favorite of the Star Trek series. Patrick was born into poverty in Mirfield, Yorkshire, a few miles from Huddersfield. He supported Huddersfield Town football club (soccer) his whole life and would show up for them. As the daughter of a Yorkshireman and a Leeds United supporter, I found this connection particularly endearing.
ReplyDeleteInteresting connection... thanks, Gillian.
DeleteMy Mom was a huge Star Trek fan-the original show, eventually I became one as well. My brother and I even went to a Star Trek convention in Providence, RI with her. I wish I remembered more about it. She watched more of The Next Generation than I did, Her heart be,ong Ed to William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, however. I would love for Netflix (our only streaming service) to pit on Next Generation. That I would binge. I saw Waiting for Godot on Broadway in 2014 with Sirs Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. They were both amazing. By all accounts Patrick Stewart was an amazing man, friend, and actor. A role model for sure.
ReplyDeleteRhys, Dame Judi Dench has a new book out “Is It Too Late to Make. Run for It?” It’s on my very long TBR list.
Stewart and McKellan! Talk about a dream team. Thanks for the tip on Judi Dench's autobiography. I'm looking forward to reading what Patrick Stewart has to say about her...
DeleteI think we watched Star Trek when it first came out, but it was on at suppertime, and I can guarantee you that I was hungry, tired and didn’t care enough to pay attention. That ended it for me. There is a possibility that I slept through some of those episodes, did the dishes, put the kids to bed, etc. Any other times that it was on – option 1.
ReplyDeleteI read Judy Dench’s bio “Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent.” She reads/talks it – and is so funny, and so human. I highly recommend the AUDIO book – you need to hear her. I have my name on the holds list for the new one. As for Patrick Stewart – I would have loved to be the audience when he and Judi played together.
Thanks for the tip, Margo.
DeleteThis book is one that should definitely be heard as opposed to reading. Same with the Barbra Streisand biography of a couple of years ago. She reads it herself and lots of her songs are on it. Both are excellent and not to be missed.
DeleteThanks for this post Halley. I've watched parts of Star Trek back in the beginning days, but never got into it. After reading about Patrick Stewart I plan to watch a show or two to see what I've missed.
ReplyDeleteA few of my favorite bio's are:
Judi Dench's "Shakespeare - The Man Who Pays the Rent",
"The Rolling Stones" and "Dearie" (about the life of Julia Child) both by Bob Spitz.
A bio that read as a WW2 spy thriller was 'A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE...by Sonia Punell. She was an American spy working for British Special Operations who had a significant, major impact on the outcome of WW2. It's a real nail biter. Initially she was turned down by the CIA because she was a woman but after she was so important to the war they eventually recognized her accomplishments and there is now a building named in her honor.
Thank you for this book recommendation. This is totally up my alley and a favorite subject matter so I am ordering a copy today!
DeleteThe spy was Virginia Hall, who had a prosthetic leg! She was incredibly brave, bold, resilient, and brilliant. And totally used her womanhood and disability to disguise herself. The story is fascinating.
DeleteAlongside that story is the (fictionalized, but true) story of female Soviet fighter pilots--actually Ukrainian--who were the terror the skies in WWII Germany because these fearless women would cut their engines so they could more effectively surprise their targets and avoid being shot down.
Thanks for mentioning Virginia Hall by name. A real faux pas on my part. And kinda ironic. LOL.
DeleteI was always into the Star Trek universe. Loved the original series and Next Generation. I loved Deep Space Nine, but because we didn't have streaming then I found it harder to catch, so I know there are still some episodes I have never seen. (I would love to find that series somewhere on streaming now and see it all, actually.) Voyager aired at a more convenient time, so even though it wasn't as good as DS9, I saw all of those. (It was still good, just not AS good.) I also saw all the movies featuring the original series cast and the Next Generation cast, and I saw the movies with the reboot cast in the 2010's. But I think that's about where I petered out on following the Trek world. I don't think I have seen any of the Star Trek properties since 2017.
ReplyDeleteI don't read too many biographies (or autobiographies) but based on Hallie's comments I might just have to try Patrick Stewart's. And yes, I too would love to read one by Aaron Sorkin. Not only was West Wing briliant, but really just about everything he has written. (At least everything of which I am aware.) He has such a distinctive voice!
Yes, streaming has weirdly made series like Star Trek both MORE accessible and LESS. Especially when you absolutely refuse to add yet another subscription to the ongoing list.
DeleteSusan, my husband and I also watched most of the Deep Space Nine series and enjoyed it a lot.
DeleteSusan, almost the entire Star Trek canon is available on Paramount+. I'm glad you like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as it is my favorite Star Trek series.
DeleteI feel like I have a healthy respect for Star Trek, though have never watched it since childhood. My younger brother was a huge fan of the space-sci-fy genre so I have seen many of the early shows and movies (including Star Wars). While I’m not typically interested in this genre, I do understand that it was about much more than just futuristic space living etc and sometimes I think I want to give it a go. I have enjoyed some space-genre movies over the years so I think it’s worth giving it a try. A lot of my favorite people are Trekkies so that should tell me something!
ReplyDelete... and I do wonder if the series have any appeal to today's younger generation.
DeleteI loved the original Star Trek because it was so forward thinking and groundbreaking in many areas that were either taboo or not the mainstream version of life. I always think of science fiction and fantasy shows/books as being a palatable way of addressing race, religion, culture, gender, social and political issues, etc. For me, Star Trek was one of the first shows that really walked the walk. One of the most vivid scenes that stays with me to this day was when Uhura and Kirk were forced to embrace and kiss. For those of you unfamiliar with the series we're talking a Black woman being kissed by a White man on TV in the late 1960s. Think about the impact that had on viewers. While The Next Generation definitely had superior acting and special effects, it was basically walking through the door that Star Trek dared to open and "boldly go where no man had gone before." -- Victoria
ReplyDeletePerfectly stated, Victoria. One hundred per cent innovative, trend setting and forward thinking.
DeleteYes, perfectly put, Victoria. Forward-looking in so many ways.
DeleteThat's such a good point. I didn't watch the original regularly, but I loved the shows I saw and--you're right--they really walked the walk.
DeleteThey could get away with it because it was science fiction, which has always been able to go where others won't.
DeleteThe original Star Trek was so ahead of its time in so many ways. Yes, the sets were campy and the shake-acting overdone, but the themes are still relevant today. But I really loved TNG. I watched it with two friends in college. We'd make hot chocolate, do our cross-stitch, and watch TNG. Again, so very relevant in themes. I did not, however, watch many of the spin-offs. But I did watch some of the movies.
ReplyDeleteI loved Patrick Stewart. He fell into the category of "if he made a movie where he read the phone book" I'd watch it. I can't think of a single thing I saw him in that I disliked and his portrayal of Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL ranks right up there with George C Scott for me. He did an absolutely fantastic MacBeth. So yeah, I'd read his autobiography. Also Judi Dench and Maggie Smith (I don't know if Maggie ever wrote one, but I'd read it). And probably others.
Sometimes it is depressing to see behind the curtain of celebrities’ lives. So many seem to have a very rough life behind all the glitz and glamoiur.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true Brenda, and should make us glad we are writers and not TV or movie stars:)
DeleteHe was a "prince" among men, onstage and off... apparently. Nice to know.
DeleteOne of the reasons I have always been such a big reader is that we almost never had a TV when I was growing up (or a record player, and I never had a bike--so, books). As an adult, I pretty much carried on by not watching television, preferring to read. So while I have seen some episodes, I couldn't tell you a thing about them, other than to recognize some of the actors. I wish I had watched, though, since learning about Lucille Ball's unlikely and surprising involvement in the series' success. You are all making me sorry about this!
ReplyDeleteI just read This Much is True by Miriam Margoyles, which mentions her colleagues Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Patricia Routledge, Graham Norris, and a bunch of other theater and movie lights. What a fascinating life, during interesting times, Margoyles has led.
My favorite autobiography is from Alan Cumming, Not My Father's Son. I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated so poignantly by the author, who is a brilliant storyteller. Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, by Susan Morrison is an excellent bio. As is Max Factor: The Man Who Changed the Faces of the World, by Fred E. Basten. Dozens of movie stars make an appearance in this one.
An old one, and a huge surprise, is Dyan Cannon's Dear Cary: My Life with Cary Grant. Cannon spills the tea.
Thanks for the great recommendations, Karen! Dyan Cannon?!? Who knew.
DeleteI listened to MAKING IT SO over the summer. The audiobook is long but well worth the time as told in Patrick's unique and memorable voice.
ReplyDeleteI loved Star Trek from the first season of the original show. I had a standing date once a week with a grad student my sophomore year at UCONN to go to the Student Union to watch it.
I watched all the iterations for years, all the films, too, until streaming versions seemed to veer off into space.
I appreciate Jay's vivid memories of favorite episodes. My favorite was the first one with Vache. On occasion, I still inquire of Irwin if he is looking for "jamaharon!"
I had to google jamaharon Judy!! Thanks funny!
DeleteAhh yes, the vaunted "Captain's Holiday" episode with Jean-Luc visiting the resort planet Risa and meeting archeologist/thief Vash. Fun fact, the Ferengi in the episode is played by Max Grodenchik who would go on to play the Ferengi Rom on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
DeleteI was in high school for the beginning of Star Trek and watched it every week but, yes, loved the Next Generation much more, And I loved Patrick Stewart on stage as well. But audiobooks!! His Narnia is amazing, and the Sonnets of Shakespeare gives them new life. And the audiobook of his stage production of "A Christmas Carol." is magical.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maren. Looking for all of those now!
DeleteThanks, Maren!!
DeleteI loved the original Star Trek. It was fun and innovative and perfect for its time. The 'space race' was in full flower, and everyone was positive space exploration would be next up on the agenda. I wasn't as interested in later iterations, although I had friends who would watch an animated cereal box if it had a Star Trek theme. Me, not so much.
ReplyDeleteI think even I'd pass on an animated cereal box. Every episode of those early on episodes gave you something to think about. Making me remember Alfred Hitchcock Presents series and the iterations of The Twilight Zone. There's something about scifi that takes you to such interesting places and makes you think.
DeleteSO much fun to read all of these..do you think it's too late to start watching now? What's your advice?
ReplyDeleteNever too late to watch a show that makes you think. Helps if you can remember what the 1960s were like when you watch the original. Women on the bridge of a ship, different nationalities/species working together for the greater good, etc. weren't really in vogue back then so if you view it through that lens you can see how truly daring those producers and actors were. -- Victoria
DeleteI agree with Victoria. As ground-breaking as the original was, I suspect it would seem too dated. I'd try The Next Generation.
DeleteAs for me, I do not think the original series with Shatner stand up. But I could be wrong.
DeleteThe original series “stood up” for its quiet emphasis on the value of all life forms, sexes, colors. As Victoria said above. A daring stance in the 1960s, it was spoken, it just showed. Elisabeth
DeleteMy husband and I were fans of Deep Space Nine. I can't understand why we never saw a single episode of "The Next Generation." Hank, I don't think it's ever too late to start a good series. The original episodes are probably too dated, though.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the original Star Trek and its follow up, Next Generation. Patrick Stewart's voice was magnificent. I first saw him in the miniseries I, Claudius. Whoa! He'd had a difficult time in his life and I was so happy for him in his later years when he was able to relax, have fun, and find joy.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember him in I Claudius - just Derek Jacobi. But it was quite awhile back.
DeleteHe played Sejanus, the commander of the Praetorian Guard. Not a nice man.
DeleteStill have the Judi Dench book SHAKESPEARE THE MAN WHO PAYS RENT and I am still reading the book. In honour of Rememberance Day (UK) weekend and Veteran's Day (USA), I am re-reading MAISIE DOBBS by Jacqueline Winspear and finally starting to read The Splendid and Vile ? by Erik Larsson.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Star Trek, I remember seeing the original ST and their reruns on tv because my Dad loved that show and he is a huge fan of Science Fiction novels and TV series.
For me, it was Star Trek the Next Generation, which we watched at Uni and the series always had captions! I remember Patrick Stewart first as Captain Picard, Then to my surprise, I saw him in many British movies later. I would rent videos from the local video store and watch him play the father ? or uncle of Lady Jane Grey (Helena Bonham Carter). I also remember watching him in the X movies with Sir Ian McKellen. I cannot remember the titles of tv shows and movies. I saw him in many different roles. And I'm still reading his memoir.
Diana
Too bad he was never in a Harry Potter movie... could they have gotten away with a bald Albus Dumbledore?
ReplyDeleteWith cap and beard:-)
DeleteScience Fiction was not my first choice in reading or movie/TV watching, but with my son Kevin leading me to some great SF reading and both he and my husband liking the SF movies and TV, my exposure to and increased appreciation of these reading and watching SF experiences has made a believer out of me as to their worth. Even without them though, the original Star Trek was prime TV watching. I admit I haven't watched as much of the later ones, but I was a fan of Patrick Stewart. I enjoyed watching him on talk shows, as he was smart, interesting, and funny. I also enjoyed his interpretation of Scrooge. I think he would have been fascinating to know.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in the real lives of many theater and movie and TV series actors, but I've not read many autobiographies. This year I finally read Mel Brooks' latest autobiography (yes, he's had more than one, but the man is 100 years old, so he's entitled to more than one) entitled All About Me! My Remarkable Life in Show Business. It was a book I read to Kev at the cemetery, as we both love Mel Brooks so much, and I did love it.
I love all the Star Trek shows but the original is my emotional favorite. All the original series actors except DeForest Kelley wrote autobiographies, which I read. I read Sir Patrick Stewart's and Kate Mulgrew's. Since I read lots of celebrity autobiographies, I would read any from the actors, directors, and producers of any of the series.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jay about Darmok. That was a neat episode. Deep Space 9 is the series with the most depth of plot and character in my opinion.
I just finished Chuck Lorre's book and have Michael Douglas and Andy Serkis among others on request from the library. Yes, some of the stories are rather sad and grim but it is inspiring how many people rose above their bad beginnings.