Still processing this one.... it was rather unexpected, unlike the death of Walter (Chekhov) earlier in the week.
To my children he was Professor X; to me he was the lead actor who regenerated
Star Trek. And then just
Picard.
His appearances on chat shows and particularly with Ian McKellen always made me smile and even laugh out loud. His manner, his sense of morality, his own good humour shone throughout, spreading good will and joy. He always defended
Star Trek with honesty and intelligence, at a time when the programme (and indeed science fiction) was seen as silly, stupid, for children.
We have his body of work to remember him by, and his appearance in
Doomsday I believe at the end of the year yet to come. But he will be very much missed.
And this picture I remember so well....
"In 2014 Dawn Garrigus was 11 years old and she’s a huge Trekkie. Dawn suffers from a mitochondrial disease which causes different physical, developmental, and mental disabilities.
The young girl was able to submit a request to Make-A-Wish, hoping to make her lifelong dream come true of going to the Dragon Con sci-fi convention…and Patrick Stewart, Captain Picard himself of Star Trek: The Next Generation, made a surprise appearance just for her!
Dawn had a special personal meet and greet with the star, and the two instantly bonded. Stewart told Dawn that she can wave hello to him any time she sees him on a screen and know that they are lifelong friends. "
The power of
Star Trek and the humanity of Patrick Stewart.