Marina Sirtis Recalls Breaking Through Patrick Stewart’s Serious Side, Pays Tribute
WHO:
Yahoo - Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Beverly Crusher, posted a behind-the-scenes first-season photo of herself with Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
Yahoo - Whoopi Goldberg and Wil Wheaton also shared tributes to Stewart.
Screen Rant - Marina Sirtis paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, her *Star Trek: The Next Generation* co-star, captain and friend.
The Guardian - Sirtis and Stewart worked together on *Star Trek: The Next Generation*; Stewart played Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and Brent Spiner played Data.
The Guardian - Sirtis described Stewart as a serious, professional actor with “absolutely insane talent” who brought “gravitas” and depth to *Star Trek*.
The Guardian - Sirtis said she had been a jobbing actor who had done some television before meeting Stewart, and that both had grown up in difficult circumstances and experienced childhood trauma.
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart supported Huddersfield Town, while she supported Tottenham Hotspur and had a Spurs tattoo.
CBS News Entertainment - The “Sunday Morning” remembrance included actor Sir Patrick Stewart, identified as best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the *Star Trek* franchise.
WHAT:
Yahoo - McFadden superimposed “O Captain, My Captain” on her photo and wrote, “Great memories, unforgettable man. Rest in Peace.”
Yahoo - The article says Picard and Dr. Crusher had romantic feelings for each other and later had a son, Jack Crusher, portrayed by Ed Speleers in *Star Trek: Picard*.
Yahoo - It highlights “The Naked Now,” “Remember Me” and “Attached” as episodes featuring Picard and Crusher’s relationship.
Screen Rant - Sirtis posted an emotional farewell to Stewart, whom the outlet described as loved by his *Star Trek: The Next Generation* castmates.
The Guardian - Sirtis recalled that castmates tried to loosen Stewart’s serious approach to work; she said, “I think we actually freed him.”
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart told the writers he needed to look into her eyes, rather than Data’s, to reach the emotions required for a scene.
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart asked writers and producers to change a movie scene from Picard and Data to Picard and her character, because Data was an android.
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart invited her to lunch in his garden while she was grieving and alone, and remained in touch with her until the end.
The Guardian - Sirtis called working with Stewart “the absolute privilege of my life and my career” and regretted not getting to say goodbye.
The Guardian - Sirtis quoted her intended farewell: “Thank you Patrick. Thanks for everything, mate.”
CBS News Entertainment - “Sunday Morning” remembered notable figures who had died, including Stewart.
WHERE:
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart invited her to lunch in his garden; she was living alone in her Los Angeles home with her dogs.
The Guardian - Sirtis said a 2018 Tottenham–Huddersfield football match was named the “Star Trek derby” in the match-day programme.
WHEN:
Yahoo - *Star Trek: The Next Generation* began airing in 1987 and ran for seven seasons.
Yahoo - The show’s core cast reunited in season three of *Star Trek: Picard*.
The Guardian - Stewart and Sirtis were photographed at the SAG Awards in 2011.
The Guardian - Sirtis referred to the Tottenham–Huddersfield match as occurring in 2018.
The Guardian - Sirtis said her husband died a month before COVID-19 hit, and that she spent a year alone at home.
The Guardian - Sirtis said she and Stewart stayed in touch until the end, when his health made phone conversations difficult.
WHY:
The Guardian - Stewart requested the scene change because he felt he needed to look into Sirtis’s eyes to reach the emotions in the scene.
The Guardian - Stewart invited Sirtis to lunch because he realized she was grieving and alone.
HOW:
The Guardian - Sirtis said the cast’s efforts to shake up Stewart’s seriousness helped him feel a freedom he had not experienced before.
The Guardian - Sirtis said Stewart handled fame with grace, did not flaunt it, and left a joke review describing him as an “unknown Shakespearean actor” on his trailer door for years.
(UPDATED November 1, 2026 19:01 UTC)
Patrick Stewart’s Star Trek co-stars are mourning the actor, remembered for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Marina Sirtis praised his immense talent, emotional depth, and support during her grief. Gates McFadden, Whoopi Goldberg, and Wil Wheaton also shared tributes to their friend.
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(UPDATED November 1, 2026 16:24 UTC)
Marina Sirtis paid tribute to Patrick Stewart, her beloved Star Trek co-star and friend. She praised his extraordinary talent and recalled how he brought depth to Captain Picard. Stewart also supported Sirtis through grief, inviting her to lunch and staying in touch.