We met Sir Patrick Stewart in a hotel room turned temporary film studio. We were producing a series of interviews for PBS, featuring talent from the slate of shows that were launching on their network that year. It was 2010 and Stewart was portraying Macbeth in their latest Great Performances series. It was an unusual adaptation set in a gritty, 20th-century totalitarian universe. The adaptation won a Peabody award.
I remember doing my best to temper my excitement that day. To not gush about how Star Trek TNG was one of my favorite series when I was a kid (it still is). How it played in the background for comfort (it still does). And how Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s diplomatic and calm leadership helped build a template in my head of how all leaders should behave. I also remember how when he walked in the room that day, that calm energy extended into the corners of the room. We all felt it.
Today heartbreak arrived with the news of Stewart’s passing. I wanted to honor the short but impactful exchange we had all those years ago, but couldn’t remember what questions we asked or where the conversation led. I looked through our archives and found a few photos from the day, but no video. An online search led to part of the interview someone uploaded on YouTube where Stewart shares what he thinks about Twitter, his fascination with the Internet, and why he doesn’t play video games. It brought a big smile to my face and a needed reminder to keep calm and practice deep discernment on all things. And also to keep a sense of humor, especially about oneself.
Thank you Sir Patrick, rest easy.
