How Old Was Patrick Stewart When He Started Star Trek

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about our favorite bald, British, and brilliant actor, Patrick Stewart, and his journey into the final frontier. Now, you might think, "Surely, he was a seasoned thespian with a silver mane when he started 'Star Trek'?" Well, hold onto your phasers, because you're in for a surprise.

Brace Yourselves, It's a Timey-Wimey Situation

Picture this: It's 1987, the year of the first-ever text message, the launch of the first GPS satellite, and the birth of a certain someone who's now old enough to drive (don't ask, it's depressing). Meanwhile, in the world of television, 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' is about to boldly go where no one has gone before - again.

Now, you'd think that the man who would lead this new crew, Captain Jean-Luc Picard, would be a grizzled veteran of the small screen, right? Wrong! Stewart, at the tender age of 47, was a relative newcomer to the world of television. I know, I know, it's like finding out that your history teacher was once a toddler.

But Wait, There's More!

Here's where it gets even more mind-blowing. Stewart had actually turned down the role of Picard initially! Can you imagine a world without Stewart's iconic, "Make it so"? I can't. Apparently, Stewart thought the script was "rubbish" and the role was "too one-dimensional". But, as they say, the universe has a way of making things right. Stewart changed his mind, and the rest is history.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but he was still a grown man when he started. That's not so surprising." Well, hold onto your seats, because here comes the kicker. Stewart was actually younger than some of his on-screen crew members! Yes, you heard it right. Data, played by Brent Spiner, was 38 when the show started, and LeVar Burton, who played Geordi La Forge, was 30. It's like finding out that your high school principal was younger than your history teacher!

Patrick Stewart Wore Wig for Star Trek Audition, Shipped From London

But Why Does This Matter?

Well, aside from being a fun piece of trivia to pull out at parties, it's a reminder that it's never too late to start something new. Stewart had already had a successful career in theater and had even been knighted by the Queen (yes, that Queen) before he started 'Star Trek'. But he was still willing to take a chance on a new adventure, and look how that turned out.

So, the next time you're feeling too old or too young or too anything to try something new, remember Patrick Stewart. Remember that it's never too late to boldly go where no one has gone before. And who knows? Maybe you'll end up becoming a cultural icon with your own catchphrase. Just don't make it "Engage".