Image courtesy of John Lakey
The world of film and stage has learned of the death of Sir Patrick Stewart at 86. The news has brought sadness to fans around the world, but many who marvelled at his performances might have been less familiar with another enduring passion: his love of motoring, and of Jaguar.
Born in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, on 13 July 1940, Stewart grew up in modest circumstances, finding in acting an escape from a difficult childhood. He began his professional career as a teenager and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 1960s, developing the distinctive voice and commanding presence that would become familiar to audiences worldwide.
International screen fame came comparatively late. At 47, he took the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, bringing Shakespearean authority and thoughtful humanity to the captain’s chair. The series ran from 1987 to 1994, leading to feature films and, decades later, his return in Star Trek: Picard. From 2000, his portrayal of Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films introduced him to another generation of admirers.
Throughout his screen career, the theatre remained central to his life. Alongside Shakespeare, his stage work included a celebrated solo adaptation of A Christmas Carol and productions of Waiting for Godot and No Man’s Land with his great friend Ian McKellen. Knighted in 2010 for services to drama, he also used his public profile to support causes including survivors of domestic abuse and refugees.
His enthusiasm for Jaguar began with a neighbour’s 1937 SS Jaguar, remembered from childhood. Long before the great Shakespearean roles, Hollywood success or command of the Starship Enterprise, a seed had been planted.
The Jaguar that became a lasting companion was a V12 XJ-S convertible, bought in California in 1989. Speaking to Esquire, he once described it affectionately as “a monster” and revealed that he had made provision for it to pass to his son. The British Racing Green convertible remained a favourite decades later: in an interview published by Mr Feelgood, he confirmed that he still owned it, by then in Oxfordshire.
His enthusiasm also found a wonderful outlet in the BBC’s Racing Legends, which brought him together with one of his childhood heroes, Sir Stirling Moss. They explored Moss’s career and travelled the Mille Miglia route in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. At Aintree, Stewart drove a Vanwall, with Moss and Tony Brooks on hand to offer guidance. For a lifelong follower of the sport, it was an extraordinary opportunity to experience the machinery and meet the men who had helped shape his imagination.
There is something especially endearing about seeing an accomplished performer become the fascinated enthusiast, listening and learning. However familiar his face and voice had become to audiences, the pleasure of meeting a hero remained wonderfully recognisable.
He took his own place on the grid, too, racing a Morgan at the 2012 Silverstone Classic. Five years later, aged 76, he retook his racing licence test ahead of the meeting’s celebrity Austin A35 race. He spoke enthusiastically about driving Silverstone’s celebrated corners, while admitting that sheer speed was not his greatest passion. The enjoyment lay in the experience of driving a good car and discovering what he could do with it.
The world will remember Sir Patrick for performances that brought conviction, compassion and depth to characters ranging from Captain Picard to Ebenezer Scrooge. Within our own community, we can also remember a fellow enthusiast who understood the enduring pleasure of a cherished Jaguar.
Our thoughts are with his wife Sunny, his family and everyone who loved him.
One Response
He matched Clarkson’s time on the Top Gear test track too.