Wed Oct 04 2023

Sir Patrick Stewart's Childhood Trauma:

• Theater saved him from a difficult childhood
• Father's military background impacted family dynamics
• Domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and shell shock affected household

Legacy & Longevity:

• Values work ethic instilled by his father
• Reflects on the importance of presence when walking into a room or on stage

Friendship with Sir Ian McKellen:

• Describes their friendship as a love affair
• Appreciates McKellen's listening skills and sense of humor

Audio Book Recording for Memoir:

• Finds recording the audio book to be challenging
• Surprised at being chosen to read his own memoir

Star Trek: The Next Generation:

• Initially unsure about joining network television but embraced the role over time
• Appreciates Star Trek's positive vision of the future

Exploring Social Issues Through Star Trek:

• Acknowledges Star Trek's fearlessness in addressing social issues through allegory
• Credits Gene Roddenberry for creating a positive, optimistic vision of the future

Method Acting and Leadership:

• Stewart discusses his encounter with Rod Steiger, where Steiger apologized for taking all the lines during a scene. Stewart admired how Steiger understood that the camera photographs thoughts.
• The conversation transitions to Stewart's role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and how his experience with Steiger influenced his leadership approach on set.
• Stewart emphasizes the importance of setting a positive tone as a lead actor and creating the best possible experience for other actors in an ensemble.

Encounter with Rod Steiger:

• Years later, while in Los Angeles, Stewart spots Rod Steiger in a restaurant. As he approaches the table, Steiger recognizes him before he even reaches them.

Paranormal Activity in Silver Lake House:

• Strange occurrences in Stewart's Silver Lake house included intense smells of cooking when no food was being prepared, footsteps on stairs when no one was there, and books being thrown off shelves without explanation or earthquake-like activity.
• After three years of experiencing paranormal activity, Stewart decided to move out. The new family who moved in experienced similar incidents.

Other Paranormal Experiences:

• While looking for a house in England with Sonny (his wife), Stewart felt hands around his throat and cried out for help until Sonny rescued him from being strangled.
• Stewart believes that his sensitivity and openness allow him to tune into the afterworld, occasionally hearing voices and feeling connected to spirits.

Interest in UFOs:

• The conversation shifts to the increasing sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).
• Stewart expresses his hope that any significant events regarding UFOs occur while he is still alive.

Advocacy for Animal Welfare:

• Inspired by Wags and Walks in Los Angeles, Stewart and Sonny began fostering dogs. They fostered seven dogs one at a time.
• He values helping animals in need and doing what one can to make a difference.

Lessons Learned from Life:

• Stewart highlights bravery, vulnerability, openness, and sensitivity as essential qualities.
• He regrets not expressing certain things to his parents and brothers while they were alive but appreciates the opportunity to do so publicly through his book.