Patrick Stewart

August 20, 2015

I am actor Patrick Stewart of Yorkshire, X-Men, Star Trek and Blunt Talk. AMA!

Good morning, reddit! This is Patrick Stewart here to answer your questions. You may know me from X-Men, American Dad, Star Trek, or The Royal Shakespeare Company. You also may know me from my Twitter account @SirPatStew. I’m in a new show called Blunt Talk, which premieres this Saturday on Starz. If you’re curious, you can watch the first episode here: https://www.facebook.com/patrickstewart/videos/879535608801013/?video_source=pages_finch_trailer

P.S. I have a helper to assist me typing (I’m old). Ask Away!

PROOF: https://twitter.com/SirPatStew/status/634372330765033472

UPDATE: It was mind blowing to see all of these questions. Thank you so much. This was a fun first AMA! See you later.



What's in your perfect sandwich?

Always, all my life, a favorite, thickly sliced Granny Smith apple on thick, heavily buttered white bread. Very healthy and yummy.


It's not rare over here in Britain, but it is slightly uncommon. It really needs the addition of cheese to be perfect though.

Yes, that would be a different version of the apple sandwich, but it would have to be the strongest, grittiest, and sharpest cheddar.


Sir Patrick,

My husband and I are huge fans. He doesn’t have a Reddit account, so I’m asking questions on behalf of both of us:

Thank you so much for sharing your talent and humor with the world!

Edit: My husband wanted me to say that his absolute favorite scene in Star Trek was when you played the Inner Light. He loved it so much that all he wanted for Christmas two years ago was a replica of the tin whistle. It inspired him to learn how to play music by ear, so he wanted me to tell you thank you.

  1. Favorite drink of choice is Oregon Pinot Noir.
  2. The letters of Vincent Van Gogh to his brother, Theo. Problem is, there are seven volumes and I've already been reading for two years.
  3. Best thing was meeting my wife, Sunny, and my soccer club, Huddersfield Town, failing to win a match so far this season was the worst.
  4. Nothing scheduled for NYC with my BFF. London, maybe.

I was sad to hear of Roger Rees’s death in July. I know you worked with him many years ago in the RSC (and in Robin Hood: Men in Tights, of course!) Could you share your favorite memory of him?

Dear Roger Rees saw a preview of my one-man show, A Christmas Carol, and told me I shouldn't act Scrooge. I should simply be him because Scrooge already lived inside me.


Who's the better kisser: Ian McKellen or Conan O'Brian?

What has been your favorite role to voice act?

Actually, it's Alan Cumming.

Deputy Director Avery Bullock on American Dad is my favorite role to voice act.


What would you advise to Daniel Radcliffe who'd like to play Shakespeare in theatre?

Then Daniel should do it wherever and whenever he can. But I warn him, he could get hooked and wave goodbye to a lovely film career.


Sir Patrick, I've read that you were born in Mirfield. As a fellow Yorkshireman, does your old accent ever pop out by mistake sometimes? Or has it completely disappeared after so many years away from God's Own Country?

Sithee, hearing my accent is like suppin' ot lead.


What's your secret to staying so young, looking so good, and having so much fun? TELL US PLEASE!

Well the great man Sigmund Freud said the most important things for a happy and long life were love and work and I've had a cornucopia of both.


Whats the most accidentally funny thing you've done this week?

Nothing I do is accidentally funny. It is all pre-meditated and carefully planned and scheduled. And if you steal one of my funny ideas, I WILL sue you.


What do you consider to be the most fun you have had in your acting career?

Also, you are fantastic.

Easy. First season of Blunt Talk. For the 12 weeks of shooting, I remember nothing except laughing, which is a nice way to get through a working day, especially if it's 14 hours. Everyone in our cast is a comedian (or comedienne). They're funny on screen and they're funny off, which accounts for my comment about laughing. There's not much laughter when you're performing King Lear or Macbeth.


How difficult was it to film this scene with Ricky Gervais for Extras without the two of you dying of laughter? Also have you ever thought of venturing into more comedic roles?

Not difficult at all because the script was brilliant, but impossibly difficult because Ricky giggled all the time and spoiled so many takes. If you googled him and me, you would have already seen that.

As for venturing into more comedic roles, see the link to my Facebook above to watch the first episode! BLUNT TALK.


What was it like seeing your decapitated head in Macbeth?

Don't be silly, I couldn't see my head. It was decapitated!


If you could find one rare artifact in the world what would it be and who would you give it to?

A Sonia Delaunay painting, which I would present to my wife for our imminent second wedding anniversary.


If you had the ability to ask William Shakespeare one question, what would it be?

My question would be: Prove to me you're William Shakespeare.


Hi Patrick! Frakes with a beard or cleanly shaven?

Frakes with a beard, preferable, because it tickles when you kiss him.


Sir Patrick Stewart, I must say it’s an honor to get the chance to speak with you. I was raised on The Next Generation, and I’d like to think the show imparted upon me a grand sense of imagination and wisdom. It’s often stated that “The Inner Light” or the “Caymen” episode, is one of your favorites. I was hoping you could briefly describe your feelings about that episode and what about it resonated with you? For the rest of my life, I’ll distinctly remember the scene where you hug the recorder after Riker leaves the room. Thank you for inspiring me, for teaching me so much through Jean-luc.

Well, the thing is, my favorite episode is "Inner Light." It was a beautiful script, which for me was almost entirely located away from the Enterprise - and it's crew! And because I was given the chance to perform what Picard would have been like if his life experience had been different. But another important reason is that I had a son in that episode who was played by my son, Daniel Stewart. And if you care to see how he has grown up, watch my new series Blunt Talk.


Is there any project other than acting you've ever wanted to venture in to?

Yes! Deep-sea diving and mountaineering. There's something about going up and down that turns me on.


I missed a performance you did with Judy Dench in 2002 in London. Showed up and it was sold out. One of my biggest regrets. Are you in any productions now? When is the next time someone can see you on stage?

I'm sorry to say that you missed only one of the two occasions I have appeared on stage with Dame Judi. The other one was the farewell to the old auditorium in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre by dozens of actors, who had made that stage their home. This time, next year, Ian McKellen and I will be in rehearsals in London for Harold Pinter's great play, No Man's Land.


What question would Walter Blunt ask Deputy Director Bullock?

Deputy Director, how did an Englishman come to work for the CIA and is it a good idea? And why haven't the other agents commented on the fact that you are English? Maybe they haven't noticed, in which case they're not smart enough to work for the CIA.


Is it fun to voice-act with Seth MacFarlane?

I'm sure it would be if he were there. He never is as I've always recorded in isolation. Maybe before the series wraps up, Stan and Avery could have a long cozy chat over a glass of malt whiskey.


Do you have an actual manservant IRL? I can't figure out how you can fit so much awesome into your daily routine.

I wish, but my experience of working with Adrian Scarborough, who plays my valet Harry in Blunt Talk, has spoiled me for anyone else no matter how good a job they might do. Adrian Scarborough is brilliant in Blunt Talk.


Hello, Sir Patrick! Looking forward to Blunt Talk premiering this week! What made you decide to take your first starring role in a comedy series like this?

Because the invitation came from Seth MacFarlane and the writing and head of the creative team was executive producer and showrunner Jonathan Ames. Both brilliant and Walter's colorful character is a delicious creation of Ames.


How would you describe your perfect Sunday?

If it was immediately followed by another perfect Sunday...and then another...and another.


What's your favorite cocktail, sir?

A martini with Old Raj gin and very important, one olive. Who knew that you must never put an even number of olives in a martini glass. My son told me that martini drinkers are superstitious about even numbers of olives.


Hello Sir Patrick!

I am a young actor who is currently engaged as Henry V, having developed a love for Shakespeare in the last few years.

As a man who has had a long career as a film and stage performer, do you have any advice on making the transition between film and stage?

Thank you so much for the wonderful entertainment over the years!

You're a lucky man to be playing Henry V. I played it in Manchester, England in 1963. How many of you saw it? If you're transitioning from film to stage, there's only one piece of advice: find a great voice coach.


Hi Patrick! Im a huge fan of yours and I grew up watching the X-Men Films. What is the best thing about playing the role of Professor X?

Great costumes in every film, but I loved my superhero costume and my flying chair in Days of Future Past. The chair actually levitated, but only a few inches.


Sup Sir Patrick!!

What are some things on your bucket list?

My father retired from the military as Regimental Sergeant Major of the British Parachute Regiment. He jumped into action three times. I don't care for the action part of it, but I would love to experience what he did of jumping and parachuting safely to the ground.


Do you ever ride the subway in NYC? I'm pretty sure I saw you at Broadway-Lafayette once. I've been telling people that I saw you. Is it possible? Am I a liar? Thanks!

You are absolutely not a liar. I use the subway all the time and in London, the Underground. Broadway-Lafayette is one of my favorite stations!!!!!!!!!


Sir, If you wouldn't mind telling us, what is your worst bad habit?

Slurping when I drink...anything.


How does it feel to be the coolest motherfucker alive?

Sunny, is that you?


How did it feel to carry the Olympic Torch?

Unbelievably exciting. Unbelievable because I never expected it would happen to me and as an ex-athlete and huge fan of the Olympic Games, it was one of the best days of my life. And, I ended the day taking home the torch, but I seem to have mislaid it. If anybody knows where it is, please let the @SirPatStew team know.


One of the few MUST-ASK questions for an Englishman.

What is your favorite Tea?

Easy. Yorkshire Gold. Any other kind of tea bag needs two bags. By the way, did you know that I am the man who introduced the concept of the double tea bag to the United States. Don't you think that deserves some recognition...A Medal of Honor? And invitation to the White House? Or my own seat on the next space shuttle?


Hi. Just wondering. do you still enjoy a curry in Petworth ? If so can you recommend a dish on the menu.

I'm not sure I've ever been to Petworth. But as it's near Chichester where I have worked, you could be right and I've forgotten. Not surprising. I can't remember breakfast time.


First off, let me say that I really admire your work-you were so flawless as Professor Xavier and Picard, and so wholly charismatic and thoughtful in your acting.

My question is whether you have done/would consider narrating audiobooks? I'm an audiobook junkie, and absolutely adore your voice.

Thanks for the AMA! :-)

I have done, but many decades ago. I'm afraid it is too labour intensive for the present state of my career. Maybe once I'm in retirement...perish the thought.


What do you think of Leeds United?

You should ask my son Daniel that question. He is a dedicated fan. But, there was a time in the era of Jones, Hunter, Sprake and Lorrimer when I thought they were the best team in Europe.


If you HAD to have hair, what kind of hairstyle would you go with?

A mullet.


Hi Patrick,

Can you get decent Yorkshire pudding in the US? I absolutely love a Sunday roast with lots of Yorkshire pudding. Best thing about the UK.

Hardly. As the mixing of the batter requires Yorkshire water or the pudding will be a disaster. There are one or two things I might like more than a Sunday roast.


This interview was transcribed from an "ask me anything" question and answer session with Patrick Stewart conducted on Reddit on 2015-08-20. The Reddit AMA can be found here.