30th October, 2026: The Deadly Assassin.
Oh, now that’s sad!
Sir Patrick Stewart has died: after what’s described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.
A brief journey …
I best remember him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation: and can also remember him in I, Claudius, as the villainous Lucius Sejanus.
I am — here’s the word, again — saddened to hear about this.
After all: the man was a seriously good actor.
And … ?
Took one hell of a punt with his career, taking the lead role with a strange little SF show that wasn’t guaranteed to work.
Despite the fact he didn’t unpack his suitcase for some time?
The show was successful.
And influential: I’m convinced the US TV companies behind franchises like Law and Order, CSI and NCIS saw Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it’s host of spin-offs, and thought “Hang on … they’re on to something, there.”
I think the same applies to the revived version of Dr Who.
I don’t know if Russell T Davies and company would have mentioned it to sceptical BBC executives, back in 2005, mentioned the fact TNG showed how successful a revival could be: but would’ve been stupid not to make a point of it!
TNG’s success? And its influence?
Could not have been possible, would not have been the same, without him.
I also think the show’s success in the UK wouldn’t have possible, without he and the producers decision to cast an English lead.
For that?
I’m grateful to the man: and sad to hear of his loss.
~≈🖖≈~
Just as an extra thought?
I note that the BBC articles have said the Sir Patrick died after a a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.
I have mixed feelings, there.
Yes: I am saddened about both his death, and to hear about the diagnosis.
But also mildly grateful to hear his death seems to have come only a short time after diagnosis.
Having seen what the condition can do, I’m grateful the journey was brief: death can be a mercy in these circumstances.
I’d doubt that makes the death easier for his family, friends and cast mates.
My thoughts are with them …
~≈🖖≈~
