Sir Patrick Stewart admits he almost turned down Star Trek role because he had 'theatrical commitments'

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Sir Patrick Stewart has admitted he almost turned down his iconic Star Trek role because he had “theatre commitments”.

The 82-year-old actor, who is best known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the cult sci-fi franchise, made the shocking admission while appearing on This Morning on Monday.

He told the owners Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield: “I was visiting California was lecturing and speaking at universities, and I got a call from my Hollywood agent, whom I had never met.

“He said, ‘I have two questions… what were you doing at UCLA last night and why did Gene want to see you this morning?’

“At the time it seemed incredible and unlikely. It was a six-year contract. I said, “No, I have theater commitments. My agent said, “You’d be lucky to survive the first year.”

“It seemed incredible and unlikely!” Sir Patrick Stewart has admitted he almost turned down his iconic Star Trek role because he had ‘theatre commitments’

“I quickly found that the experience I gained at the Royal Shakespeare Company was perfect and ideal for donning the captain’s uniform and leading the enterprise.”

Los Angeles Times called the Yorkshire native “an unknown British Shakespearean actor” when he was cast in Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 to 1994.

He continues to star in the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Picard, which he also executive produces.

Visiting London Television Center for his daytime TV appearance, Sir Patrick spoke of his love of the historic studios.

He claimed he visited the White City complex “every day” to film the 1976 BBC series I Claudius.

The Golden Globe nominee said: “I love hearing those voices and seeing those sets again because it was such a big and important part of my life.

– Also this building. I love coming here, there was a time when I came here every day.”

Sir Patrick recently teased it there may be more seasons of Star Trek: Picard ahead 10-episode third (and so-called “final”) season premieres February 16 on Paramount+.

Back: The 82-year-old actor is best known for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the cult sci-fi franchise (pictured in 1990)

Veteran: He still stars in the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Picard, which he also executive produces (pictured in 2022)

“If we can continue the work that we did on seasons one, two and three of Picard, then absolutely yes,” the 82-year-old Yorkshireman said at the Television Critics Association’s 2023 winter press tour.

“Because there’s still a huge potential for storytelling in what we’re doing, and there’s a door that’s still open. We didn’t close everything.”

Executive producer Alex Kurtzman agreed that the outlook is promising: “Anything is possible. If the show blows the doors off, which we’re certainly hoping for, and we’re very, very proud of season three, who knows?”

Not only does Patrick play retired admiral Jean-Luc Picard critics sci-fi spin-off, he also serves as an executive producer.

“There’s no doubt that the world has changed in that time, but so have I,” he said.

“I wanted the series to show the impact of the years that have passed, and how much can change, and whether there will be more fear.”

It’s been more than 35 years since the four-time Emmy nominee played Picard on CBS’ Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired for seven seasons spanning 1987-1994.

The Next Generation returns Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Gates McFadden (Crusher), LeVar Burton (La Forge), Michael Dorn (Worf) and Marina Sirtis (Troy), along with Jerry Ryan (Seven of Nine) and Michelle Hurd ( musician).

Season 3’s villain is Captain Vadik, commander of the Shrike, played by Tony-winning Amanda Plummer.

Other villains this season include Brent Spiner as Data’s nefarious android brother Laura and Daniel Davis as Sherlock’s nemesis Professor Moriarty.

Reflecting: On Monday’s “This Morning,” he said, “I was in California giving lectures and speaking at universities, and I got a call from my Hollywood agent, who I had never seen.”

Story: “He said, ‘I have two questions… what were you doing at UCLA last night and why did Gene want to see you this morning?’

Wow! “At the time it seemed incredible and unlikely. It was a six-year contract. I said, ‘No, I have theater commitments. My agent said, ‘You’d be lucky to survive the first year.'”