Stewart was born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. He grew up in poverty, raised by his mother who worked as a weaver in a local textile mill. His father served in the British Army before he was born and was absent from his life for many years.
Despite his difficult childhood, Stewart was drawn to the stage from an early age. He performed in his first play at the age of 12, and after leaving school, he took on a variety of odd jobs while pursuing his acting career.
Stewart’s breakthrough came in 1966 when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. He quickly gained recognition for his impressive range and captivating performances, earning critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans.
In 1987, Stewart gained worldwide recognition for his role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. He played the role for seven seasons, earning several awards and nominations for his performance. He also reprised the role in several Star Trek films.
Stewart’s other notable film roles include Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise, King Richard in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Sergeant Neil Howie in The Wicker Man.
In addition to his acting work, Stewart has also been involved in several humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. He is a strong supporter of various causes, including the fight against domestic and sexual violence and animal rights. He is also a patron of several charities, including Refuge and Combat Stress.
Stewart has been married three times and has two children. In 2013, he married his longtime partner Sunny Ozell.
Despite his many accomplishments, Stewart remains humble and grounded. He continues to inspire audiences with his captivating performances and will undoubtedly continue to be a cherished figure in the entertainment industry for years to come.