Making It So

by Patrick Stewart

The long-awaited memoir from iconic, beloved actor and living legend Sir Patrick Stewart!

From his acclaimed stage triumphs to his legendary onscreen work in the Star Trek and X-Men franchises, Sir Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations with his indelible command of stage and screen. Now, he presents his long-awaited memoir, Making It So, a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life—from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England, to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim—proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Star Trek

469 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

Sir Patrick Stewart, OBE is an English film, television, stage and voice actor, who has had a distinguished career on stage and screen. He is most widely known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its successor films, and as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series.

Known for his strong and authoritative voice, Stewart has lent his voice to a number of projects, including audio books, animated films and series and video games.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 326th read of the year and it's a long-anticipated one!

It finally came out, and I was fortunate enough to experience it as an audiobook read by the author.

Much of the first two thirds is dedicated to his formative years living in very humble, and at times harrowing circumstances, in northern England as well as starting out as a classically trained Shakespearean actor in the UK and beyond, so don't let the title mislead you into thinking this is a book with a lot of emphasis on his years working on Star Trek: The Next Generation in California.

This disclaimer aside, Stewart is a fabulous raconteur and I found the book delightful, neither overly triumphalist or self-deprecating, with moments of true humour and pathos along the way.

Fans of the X-Men film series may find his reminisces of the franchise perfunctory but it is understandable given that he spent a lot of downtime on set developing his now legendary friendship with fellow knighted thespian Ian McKellan.

So if you are on the fence about reading or, better yet, making the 18+ hour commitment to listening to this memoir I can only hope this silly review helps you decide which side to come down on.

Thanks for reading, and if you have a favourite Jean-Luc Picard GIF be sure to share in the comments!

Fair enough.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Stewart's autobiography is a great read. From the opening chapters telling of his early life in Yorkshire it draws you in instantly.
Although I primarily bought this book to find out more about Stewart's time as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek The Next Generation I absolutely loved his tales of his early theatre work. This part of the book was so good I didn't want it to end & it reminded me of meeting my wife over 30 yaers ago when we were both members of an amateur dramatic company.
Stewart is a natural storyteller & his writing style is as smooth as silk. There are obviously some stories from his time in Star Trek The Next Generation & the X-Men films, but his theatre work is his first love & is therefore the main focus of the book. Stewart holds one wonderful surprise for the end of the book & it's one I won't spoil here, but I hope it comes to fruition.
Making It So shows that Patrick Stewart is not only a great actor, but he's a great writer as well.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart, born in 1940, is an English actor whose career has spanned seven decades in theater, film, television and more. Stewart is perhaps best known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men movies.

Stewart grew up in the town of Mirfield, in the north of England. Mirfield was an industrial and agricultural enclave, and most of its residents - including Patrick's family - struggled financially. Stewart's father Alfred was a decorated army officer, and his mother Gladys worked in a textile mill.


Mirfield

After leaving the military, Alfred Stewart had a hard time adjusting to civilian life, and he drank and beat his wife, behavior that profoundly affected Patrick and his older brother Trevor. Still, young Patrick was a tough lad. Stewart writes, "I was not a softy as a boy. I couldn't afford to be. Where I came from, if you weren't tough on the playground, you became a target for bullying."


Young Patrick Stewart (right) with his mother Gladys and brother Trevor


Patrick Stewart with his father Alfred and mother Gladys

Stewart became interested in acting at a young age. He observes, "It doesn't take a degree in psychology to figure out the appeal of acting to someone who grew up in a household as troubled as mine. The stage would prove to be a safe space, a refuge from real life." Stewart's English teacher, Mr. Cecil Dormand, helped cultivate Patrick's interest in literature, drama, and Shakespeare, and Dormand was the inspiration for Patrick's future career.


Patrick Stewart with English teacher Cecil Dormand and Cecil's wife Mary

Stewart also credits actress/acting coach Ruth Wynn Owen for assisting his aspirations. As a young man, Stewart 'spoke Yorkshire' and he recalls, "Ruth was insistent that if we were serious about acting, we need to learn....the way that BBC newsreaders spoke"- a way that most people think of as a posh aristocratic accent.


Actress/Acting Coach Ruth Wynn Owen

Stewart left public school at the age of fifteen, after which he attended drama school. From there Patrick climbed the ladder through various repertory companies until he finally joined the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) in 1965. Stewart writes a good deal about the plays he was in and the actors, directors, and other colleagues he worked with.

For example, Stewart recalls playing Launce in Shakespeare's comedy 'The Two Gentleman of Verona' in 1970. The cast included Helen Mirren, Ian Richardson, Estelle Kohler, and a dog named Blackie, who played Launce's mellow pooch Crab.

Stewart relates a story about casting Blackie, whom he found at a kennel. Patrick remembers, "I had brought a camera with me, so I took photos of Blackie, a process he completely ignored. No fussing, no tail wagging....he was just THERE.....a real Method dog. Rod Steiger would have loved him."


Young thespian Patrick Stewart


Patrick Stewart and Blackie in 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona'

At one time, Stewart toured with actress Vivien Leigh. Patrick observes, "I had something of an out-of-body experience meeting her, as I had never before met anyone so famous, nor, for that matter, so talented....Vivien was bright, friendly, hardworking, and as beautiful as she appeared in movies."


Vivien Leigh in the play 'Duel of Angels'

Patrick's professional journey included many Shakespeare plays, as well as other works, and his rise could serve as a primer for aspiring young thespians. Recollecting the RSC, Stewart writes, "My time with the RSC was everything I had hoped it would be and more. The people who filled that historic auditorium in Stratford were excited just to be there....for the express purpose of seeing William Shakespeare's work performed in his hometown by the foremost Shakespearean actors."


Patrick Stewart in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Stewart remained with the RSC for many years, during which he was married to his first wife Sheila Falconer - an English actress, dancer, and choreographer. The couple had two children, Daniel and Sophie.


Patrick Stewart's first wife Sheila Falconer


Patrick Stewart with his son Daniel


Patrick Stewart with his daughter Sophie

In time, Stewart broke into films, his first big movie being 1984's science fiction epic 'Dune.' In an amusing anecdote, Patrick talks about rock idol Sting joining the cast of 'Dune.' When Sting mentioned he played in the group Police, Patrick - who was SERIOUSLY pop-culture challenged - responded, "You play in a police band? Wow! How marvelous!"


Sting in the movie 'Dune'

Stewart also knew next to nothing about the television show Star Trek (1966 - 1969), and was bewildered when the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, wanted to meet him. Roddenberry was developing a new version of the program, called Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) and Stewart was being considered for the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.


Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry

Roddenberry wasn't impressed with Patrick, but other executives prevailed, and Patrick got the role of Picard. At the time, Stewart's agent, Steve Dontanville said, "It is my opinion that you'll be lucky to make it through the first season. I don't think anyone can replicate the success of the original Star Trek. You'll be lucky to make it to Thanksgiving, to be honest."

Little did Steve know, because TNG ran from 1987 to 1994, and spawned several movies after that.


Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Stewart knew TNG would change his life, in part because the show filmed in California and Patrick's family lived in England. Patrick tells many stories about TNG, including tales about the cast, crew, guest stars, and scripts. Luckily, the TNG actors and actresses got along, and Patrick recalls, "Chance had thrown me into a company that was as generous and funny as it was talented. Our mutual respect grew over time into friendship and ultimately a feeling of family - and this feeling only gets stronger as we get older."


Original cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation. From left: Wil Wheaton, Denise Crosby, LeVar Burton, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, Gates McFadden, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, and Brent Spiner

By TNG's final season, Stewart was getting restless and wanted new challenges. Thus Patrick went back to doing Shakespeare plays and other television and movie work. By this time, Patrick and Sheila were divorced, their marriage ending after Patrick's affair with actress Jennifer Hetrick, who guest starred as 'Vash' on TNG.


Patrick Stewart and Jennifer Hetrick (as Vash on Star Trek: The Next Generation)

In 1999 Stewart began playing Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X) in the big-budget comic book adaptation of X-Men. The filming schedule also allowed Stewart to work on the stage, and Patrick writes, "I took advantage and did lots of good stuff."


Patrick Stewart as Professor Charles Xavier in 'X-Men'

During this time, Stewart was married to his second wife, Wendy Neuss - an American television and film producer. This brief marriage ended when Patrick had an affair with Lisa Dillon, his co-star in Henrik Ibsen's play, 'The Master Builder.' Stewart laments, "I needed to do better by the women with whom I was romantically involved. In a life chockablock with joy and success, my two failed marriages are my greatest regret."


Patrick Stewart with his second wife Wendy Neuss


Patrick Stewart and Lisa Dillon in 'The Master Builder'

Stewart's career continued to burgeon in the 2000s, and he hosted 'Saturday Night Live', became a voice actor on 'American Dad', played himself on an episode of Ricky Gervais's comedy series 'Extras', played Macbeth in New York, reprised his role as Jean-Luc in the series Star Trek: Picard and more.


Patrick Stewart playing Macbeth on Broadway

In 2010, Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth, and in 2013 Stewart married his third wife, Sunny Ozell - an American singer and songwriter.


Patrick Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth


Patrick Stewart and his third wife Sunny Ozell

Marriage to Sunny has helped Stewart exhibit the fun side of his personality. At the urging of Sunny's music producer, Patrick recorded his favorite cowboy songs with Sunny's band. Patrick notes, "You can find the resultant video short, hawking music by the man "long known as England's premier cowboy singer" on YouTube. This is a MUST SEE for Patrick Stewart fans.


Patrick Stewart's cowboy songs on YouTube

Though Stewart is in his 80s, he's nowhere near ready to retire. So stay tuned for more.

Stewart has had an incredibly interesting life and I enjoyed following Patrick's journey from a house with no indoor facilities in Mirfield to his tremendous success on the stage and screen. I especially liked Stewart's anecdotes about people he's met and worked with because Patrick doesn't pull his punches, so we find out who's nice and who's not. 🙂

Highly recommended.

You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com

[CB · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof. I really liked Patrick Stewart until I read this memoir. Most of the book is tedious, like a resume with very little insight into life or reflection on the important historical events of his life. It just gets worse and worse down to his extremely cringy interactions with the waitress in her 30s that he marries while he's in his 70s, after cheating on his previous wives.

He comes off as extremely unlikeable. Talking about how as a teen, he used to make a disabled boy beat his stump of a hand into a wall until it bled, and then bragging just a few lines later about how his empathy for a dying squirrel must have been an early sign he'd be a great actor because he had so much empathy? Oof.

And then the line "Once again I had cheated on my wife with a much younger woman, I really needed to do better by the women in my life." Followed by the story of him falling in love with a girl who was 10 years old when she watched him as a middle-aged man in Star Trek. And how her colleagues could tell when they met that she was in awe of him unlike the many other celebrities she saw all the time at the restaurant where she waitressed. And how modest she was, not to tell him until their second date that this New York waitress is also *gasp* an aspiring singer. So cringy and painfully cliche.

He just comes across as a narcissistic old fool with no particular insights except what others have told him. I've never been so disappointed.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. This read like Patrick’s voice, not the usual ghost writer feel you get with other memoirs.

This is a sweet story of his childhood growing up in Yorkshire, then his move to the stage acting, and finally Hollywood. Mistakes and accomplishments are written so humbly.

It takes a while, but he does get into details on Star Trek, Dune, and playing Professor Xavier in X-Men. Particularly enjoyed his story about first meeting Hugh Jackman.

You can tell that acting on stage is where his heart is the happiest. I hope what he hints at the end of the book comes true for him.

[Esther Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is tough to write. I’m a huge Patrick Stewart fan - have been since I saw my first episode of TNG when I was a toddler - but this book was rough. He spent too long on each of his theatre exploits (and I was a theatre major) and not enough on the rest of his life (build up to marriages were a few paragraphs). He came across as obnoxious at points and a bully at others. Honestly, it’s really sullied my feelings about him. I was dying to read this book and now I wish I’d never read it..😞

[nettebuecherkiste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Stewart (oder vielleicht eher Captain Picard ;-)) ist einer meiner Helden. Star Trek TNG hatte in meiner Jugend großen Einfluss auf mich. Die Serie war für mich oft ein moralischer Wegweiser, präsentierte mir das Bild einer lebenswerten Zukunft und gab mir Hoffnung in einer Zeit, als das Mobbing mir das Leben zur Hölle machte. Auch hatte ich schon oft davon gehört oder gelesen, wie eng befreundet sowohl der Cast war und ist als auch die Crew, die dieser spielte. Das zeigte mir, dass es auch anders geht.

Dass Patrick Stewart von der Royal Shakespeare Company kam, wusste ich natürlich. Auch, dass er in seiner Kindheit häusliche Gewalt miterleben musste. Aber seine ganze Geschichte von ihm selbst erzählt zu bekommen, war etwas Besonderes. Die Autobiografie ist sehr detailliert, beginnt mit seiner zunächst glücklichen, dann weniger glücklichen Kindheit. Erstaunt hat mich, wie früh Stewart schon an seiner Schauspielkarriere arbeitete. Sein Werdegang ist wirklich beeindruckend und es hat mir sehr gefallen, von seinen ganzen Wegbegleitern zu hören, ganz früh etwa Brian Blessed oder später Ian McKellen, der sogar ihn und seine dritte Ehefrau traute. Obwohl das Ganze stellenweise in etwas viel Name Dropping ausartet. Auch dachte ich an manchen Stellen, dass er, was Privates angeht, manchmal ein bisschen zu viel ins Detail geht.

Sehr gelacht habe ich über die Anekdote über sein erstes Aufeinandertreffen mit dem ihm als reinem Klassikfan unbekannten Sting am Set von „Der Wüstenplanet“. Ein wenig geknickt war ich darüber, dass Gene Roddenberry Stewart so gar nicht in der Rolle des Captain Picard sehen wollte, im Nachhinein vollkommen unverständlich. Es sei angemerkt, dass Stewart sich auch über Menschen, die ihm weniger zugetan waren, nie negativ äußert.

Besonders schön war es natürlich, den Anekdoten rund um Star Trek – The Next Generation zu lauschen und den vielen wunderbaren Erinnerungen an die Zusammenarbeit mit einem großartigen Cast. Auch die Arbeit an den auf die Serie folgenden Kinofilmen und dem – zumindest für mich – überraschenden erneuten Zusammenkommen der alten Crew in Star Trek Picard kommt nicht zu kurz.

Ich habe viel gelacht beim Hören dieses Buches, aber am Schluss musste ich auch heulen. Deshalb gibt es von mir eben doch fünf Sterne.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the second half much more exhilarating and fulfilling. Lots of abuse in the early formative years. Some will say it was a different time, but that's no excuse. If you're going to stand for right, do it all the time. If not for Star Trek Next Generation, it's doubtful the octogenarian Patrick would have nearly 40 years of stardom and Knighthood. Yet, his preference to "disengage" from Picard and Sci-Fi highlights his stubbornness from success. Fortunately, he is able to set his ego aside for the X-Men.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel this was the best book I read this year (2023). A wonderfully told story about a truly rich and amazing life. As his friend, Ian McKellen, said about Patrick Stewart, "He writes as well as he acts, with insight, truth, and passion."
I give it 5 stars as I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I wanted more about his experiences playing Captain Picard in the Star Trek The Next Generation TV series and movies. Also, more about being in the X-Men in the Marvel Universe film franchise. But, and probably this is true for most of the readers of this book, the best part of the book is in the first half of it, dealing with his humble Yorkshire beginnings and his building a career in theater. As I have read a lot of the Shakespeare plays ( and seen a number of them), I was interested in his performances in the Bard's plays. He was with the Royal Shakespeare Company for forty years, his performances critically acclaimed in both London and on Broadway.
A final note on Sir Patrick-- I was intrigued by his connections to the paranormal, a very unexpected aspect of his life but then Shakespeare dealt with ghosts and witches. During his stint as a "junior journalist," he was talking to a woman who was the secretary at a church. She asked him if he was aware that he had an aura, pale blue and surrounding him--and that she had only seen it once before, around a minister. Stewart writes that he was flustered and didn't know what to say. He then writes that he has sensed emanations coming from certain performers, such as Judi Dench and Ian McKellan. He writes that it is "as if each is enrobed in an invisible cloak of truth that elevates their always stellar performances." I think the same could be said of Patrick Stewart! There are a couple of other brushes with the paranormal in his story, but Stewart doesn't really go into what it all can possibly mean. Spirits are a part of the Shakespearean world, so why not his?

[Ren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know you shouldn't rate a book before it comes out but this is an important exception

[William Weld-Wallis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Picard character in Star Trek Next Generation, and knew a bit about Patrick Stewart's career in theater, especially Shakespearean theater, and looked forward to this book. It was interesting, for sure, to see his rise from a very poor/working class and abusive English home to his career in acting, but his life certainly did not inspire me. He seemed full of himself, pretty shallow, and a person of low integrity (as evidenced by his 3 marriages with the first two ended by his affairs, his current marriage, of over 10 years to give him some credit, to a woman half his age and younger than his kids, his broken relationships with his two kids, etc.). All in all, not a great read.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Audible audio *

3.5 stars 🌟 🤩

Most of my excitement came from knowing he would have many good stories to tell and some of it came from anticipation of behind the scenes stories from X-Men.

Not a fan of Star Trek *shrugs * Not hating on it, Just not for me. I did enjoy hearing the story of how he got cast and some of the behind the scenes stories though.

The details of the plays he was in was interesting at first but was kinda meh on it after awhile.

When it came to the part about Xmen... there wasn't much there. Was kinda disappointed 😞 . Just a fair warning if anyone wants to know.

He has a soothing voice, it was a pleasant listen overall but probably won't be reading it again.

Worth checking out in my opinion.

Happy reading!

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so expecting to love this! However, I agree with some of the other reviews that I've seen: this reads more like a resume than a memoir. I wanted to know more about his personal life, relationships with other actors, etc., but a large chunk of the book is focused on his list of many plays he's acted in and his time with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Minimally, I would recommend skipping chapters 10-15 all together unless you're a hard core Shakespearean theater fan.

He goes into SUCH detail about certain things (like the RSC), but then his previous romantic relationships, his friendships, his relationship with this brothers and his children are all footnotes. All in all, I learned so much about his career and very little of him as a person (he goes most in depth with his childhood, which was appreciated).

For TNG fans, the chapters that primarily focus on this are 16-18. There are some tidbits in other chapters, but not nearly as much as expected considering the book title (for reference, there are 25 chapters).

Dear Patrick, if you're reading this, please take no offense! Just wanted to get to know you better *personally* instead of *professionally* ;) (Don't want to upset a sweet old man who gave us the gift of TNG!)

[C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most poignant stories across Star Trek television is “The Inner Light”. Similarly, I witnessed Patrick Stewart’s major events from birth to age 83. I found him sweet but like all good autobiographies do, I intimately acquainted him after being unfamiliar with his history. These illuminations were delightful, especially with Patrick writing to match his amiable personality. He is a superb storyteller, who got edited from 750 down to 440 pages. He spent a touching chapter describing the rooms of his parents’ house.

This is the style that SILENCES uncreative people who complain about nonlinear stories. Trekkies, there is a lot about The Next Generation and a little about Picard, The X-Men, Dune, Extras, and American Dad. I was unexpectedly treated to paranormal experiences. Of his kids and Grandchildren, there is nearly nothing. Divorce upset his family in 1990 but earlier memories would balance and relieve a top-heavy subject of minimal interest to me.

“Making It So” 2023, discussed every theatre role until he began screen acting. I like theatre but loathe Shakespeare. I read willingly.... until his children’s births comprised one sentence. Come on! When he wrote of theatre after Star Trek finished, I pled no more!

“G Em C D G” are the easiest guitar chords and in May 1983, they made “Every Breath You Take” a world phenomenon. My friend played me the “Synchronicity” record when we were 11! Patrick loves classical music but before the 1990s, radio was not streamlined and mixed all major hits. Sting is from England, where Patrick and his peers performed and saw posters. There was no excuse not to know Sting when they filmed “Dune” in summer 1983!

Thankfully, Patrick’s young wife, Sunny is a singer. I loved his autobiography. Four stars criticize this editor’s lack of content balance.

*I put work into all my writing. Comments instead of clicks are appreciated.*

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed with what are clearly well-honed stories from his decades as an actor on stage and screen, Making It So is remarkably thoughtful and candid. Stewart is too kind-hearted to be really dishy, but he’s so warmly insightful (and perfectly willing to make himself the butt of a joke, if need be) that he doesn’t need dirt to make his reminiscences compelling—or his analysis of various plays, TV shows, and films, not to mention his own performances, fascinating to consider.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy going autobiography of the Actor Patrick Stewart from his humble origins from Mirfield to a well known stage actor and later a tv star with star trek the next generation. really enjoyed it overall as spanned his whole career from bristol to his stage work, RSC and the people he worked with or met.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found that to be an incredibly long slog. Every single play every single slight he encountered, it was too much.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this very….”engaging” tee hee.

If you can, listen to the audio version as it’s read by Stuart himself because it has the quality of a candid, intimate conversation. It also helps that sir pat could do a dramatic reading of the telephone book and make it entertaining.
His life was fascinating and he’s a total dog, having numerous affairs with much younger women breaking up his family in the process but taking responsibility instead of glossing over his less stellar moments. He also talks in detail about Star Trek even about specific episodes so trek fans will find this a treat.
Definitely one of the best autobiographies I’ve read but be warned, if you’re not a theatre fan he spoils key scenes and endings of some of Shakespear’s works.

[John Devlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rare for me to give a memoir 4stars…Stewart kept a journal so his recollections are fascinating and quite granular…that’s a big plus.

Second, many autobiographies of men tend to elide over the women who were at their side, or even more notably, skip their failures and infidelities…David Grohl is the latest that comes to mind…

Stewart does not do that and even mentions to this day his relationship with his daughter is made more difficult by his divorce from her mother decades ago…so points for him for candor.

Finally, Stewart’s love of acting shines through….he pulls off the rare feat of making a small part of me wish I had tried something as creative as treading the boards for the Bard…

[Penny's Preferences · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why do I keep reading memoirs from stars? I am always disillusioned by the industry or by the author. This time, it was by the author. He talks about his philandering in such an offhand way. It just made me think less of him.

[Kara Babcock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows that Star Trek is my first fandom. Before Doctor Who. Before Supergirl, the show that gave me my name. I have watched and rewatched Star Trek to the point where it is now in my DNA. I love all the series (albeit not equally), but Captain Picard is my captain. So, naturally, when I learned Patrick Stewart had written a memoir, I had a mighty need. Thankfully, my dad gave it to me for Christmas! Thanks, Dad!

The structure is a simple chronological one, starting from Stewart’s birth and early childhood in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, and moving from there into his acting career and adult life. It culminates in discussing his two most well-known roles (Captain Picard and Professor Xavier) along with his more recent stage acting, his marriage to Sunny Ozell, and his feelings on the pandemic as well as reprising Captain Picard for Star Trek: Picard. It’s easy to read—beautifully written, in fact. I’m not sure if he had a ghostwriter, but if he didn’t, I’m impressed. My favourite line was, “If I kill Paul McCartney, it will be the only thing I will be remembered for.” (Spoiler alert: Stewart did not kill Paul McCartney.)

Making It So, despite its allusive title, does not spend as much time on Stewart’s Next Generation days as one might hope. This is not a tell-all behind-the-scenes memoir of all the hijinks on the sets of the Enterprise-D. I suspected, as I read, that some would be disappointed, and reading other reviews has subsequently confirmed this. While that’s a valid opinion to hold, I think it’s an unfortunate one. If you’re willing to open yourself up to a different experience, there is a lot to discover through this memoir.

First and foremost, this is a love letter to the performing arts and to Shakespeare in particular. Stewart is unequivocal: he only got to where he is today because of state funding for the arts, luck, and people with pull who saw potential in a country kid. I really enjoyed learning more about his early childhood, how he grew up post-war first in a one up, one down house before his family moved into a slightly more spacious council house. How acting captured his heart, and the hoops through which he had to jump to get a serious chance at it.

There’s a lot of humour and lightheartedness to Stewart’s stories. Captain Picard is usually a stern figure (with a kind heart), but Patrick Stewart strikes me as a mischievous softie. Capable of summoning great rigour and dedication when needed for his craft, Stewart can also recount his involvement in practical jokes, amorous adventures, and silly moments of good fun. He tells you all of these stories with a smile and a wink, never taking himself too seriously.

At the same time, there are serious and sad parts too. Stewart frankly discusses his father’s abuse of his mother. I had some inkling of this, for I had read how this had influenced the second season of Star Trek: Picard. Nevertheless, it hits different when the actual events are discussed in the context of Stewart’s childhood. I appreciate Stewart discussing this so openly in this book, for it provided me with great insight into the complexities of growing up in a situation of domestic abuse. Even as he recognized, as a child, that his father’s behaviour was unacceptable, he continued to learn from his father and seek his father’s approval as a man.

Stewart is also very open about his romantic relationships, from flings to his three marriages. Perhaps more surprising is how open he is about the role that his cheating played on the dissolution of the first two marriages. I imagine many will judge him for that, and fair enough. Maybe I judged a little too. Yet if perfection is our bar for someone to write a memoir, no celebrity—indeed, no one—would be allowed to write one. Told from Stewart’s perspective, of course he is liable to make himself look like the good guy—so the fact that he cops to being the bad guy on more than one occasion makes me respect him all the more. I try very hard not to have idols, especially not celebrity ones, for they will inevitably let one down. There is something comforting in the fact that Patrick Stewart, who certainly approaches something I would say I idolize, has done his best in this book not to set himself up as someone to idolize, if that makes any sense.

There is also a sense of sadness in the way that Stewart discusses how so many important people in his life have passed away. At eighty-three, of course, this is to be expected. Statistically speaking, he is beating the odds, and the cruel irony of survival is that the longer one sustains it, the more one sees loved ones … not. As he eloquently espouses his deep affection, appreciation, or admiration for someone, only to pivot and remark, “and I was deeply saddened when…,” it becomes a bit of a refrain through the book. I sit here, thirty-four years old, fortunate enough not to have lost that many people close to me just yet, pondering how I might feel if I reach Stewart’s age. Perhaps this introspection hits all the harder for how well Stewart recalls and, more impressively, recapitulates the energetic and brash youthfulness that is such a curious contrast to the statesmanlike composure for which he is most known on stage and screen.

Indeed, this lifetime of performance is, above all else, the central theme of Making It So. Even more so than his marriages or his acting career, however, Shakespeare emerges from this book as the biggest love of Stewart’s life. His experience with Shakespeare seems obvious to me in his portrayal of Picard; not only does it influence every fibre of Picard’s characterization, but the character himself occasionally quoted the Bard, had a book of Shakespeare’s plays on display in the Enterprise-D ready room, and tutored Data in performing Shakespeare. I can understand how reassuring it might feel that, in a time as far removed from us as we are from Shakespeare, his words might yet offer guidance and consolation. For Stewart, as he tells it here, it is clear that these plays and sonnets offer great value. It’s wonderful, listening to him geek out about something that is clearly his passion.

Making It So is a finely tuned memoir that is overall neither saccharine nor bittersweet, though it has moments of both. Stewart shares plenty of juicy details and intimate moments with us in tones variously sly and tender, affected and genuine. Diehard TNG fans will be disappointed that this is not solely, or even principally, about that part of Stewart’s career—but I think it is a mistake to make that the fulcrum around which one balances judgement of this book. I love that Stewart embraces so fully that vital and powerful character, to the point where he agreed to return to it one more time—yet while there might be more Patrick Stewart in Jean-Luc Picard than in any of his other characters, he is not that character. His story, as a living, breathing, real human being of the twentieth century deserves its own remarkable recounting as much as that of a fictional twenty-fourth-century explorer. Picard’s mission was to boldly go; with Making It So, Patrick Stewart shares with us how he has boldly gone.

Originally posted on Kara.Reviews.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a full-on biography, but a remembrance of the past. This is warm, inviting, evocative, gentle, observant, wonderful storytelling...full of happiness and regrets, triumphs and mistakes...and is very likely as close as you will get to peering into the soul of a solid member of the human race. This is definitely not just for Star Trek fans, but for all those appreciative of the work of a great actor.

[Jeffrey Caston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned some stuff about Sir Patrick Stewart. Other reviews have pointed out that it is NOT mostly about Star Trek. But as an theater fanatic, I actually really liked the focus on his discussion of the acting craft and Shakespeare, his life in the theater. It's got some sordid stuff and a few weird references that led to some rolled eyes (but I don't even remember why now). So overall quite enjoyable.

[Elentarri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to Patrick Stewart narrate his own memoir probably made this book for me.  Patrick starts off telling us about his family and his childhood in Yorkshire, of growing up in a tiny house without indoor plumbing, of his alcoholic and abusive father, and his school years.  These years contributed to his love of acting.  Stewart spends about 60% of the book on his early stage acting career, prattling off names of famous actors (I really don't watch movies/TV/plays so the names went over my head), and the rest on his movie/TV acting career (I could have done with more Star Trek since I have actually watched some of that and know who the people are), and a bit about his failed marriages and his current marriage, and all the friends he made, the advice given and his experiences of the "acting world".  There isn't that much about his relationship with his children and grandchildren - they barely get mentioned (I assume this is for privacy, and because their lives are none of our business).  I enjoyed the memoir, and found it interesting.  The experience was something like listening to Patrick Stewart telling you his story at a pub over drinks.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you expect to find juicy gossip in this book, you'll be disappointed. There isn't any. Well, may just a small blurb about Tom Hardy.

What I loved about this biography was it felt like we were sitting in a cozy den with a glass of whiskey as Patrick told stories about his life. I could hear his voice in every single word and phrase. It felt personal, intimate, and, in some respects, very humble. His acknowledgment of his shortcomings and his mistakes was refreshing to see. He's human like the rest of us.

Finishing the book left me wanting more - like we barely scratched the surface of learning who Sir Patrick Stewart is.

[dobbs the dog]

DNF 55%

Sorry Sir Patrick, I just couldn’t do it. I was so excited for this book, as I’ve been a fan of Stewart since his Star Trek TNG days, but I just found this memoir incredibly boring.

The start was interesting, when he’s talking about his childhood, but once he gets in to the acting/theatre part, it just became really boring, for me. I’m not really into theatre at all, maybe someone who is into it would find this more interesting? It just felt like a lot of naming of theatre companies and plays and name dropping people I’d never heard of.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think he’s the coolest man. I LOVE his performance on Star Trek: The Next Generation and X-Men.

But this was long. A literal autobiography of his entire life and career. I was pretty much only interested in his Star Trek chapters.

Audiobook was read by him, so that was lovely!

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wishing for a thing does not make it so"

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first attempt at reading this book was with the paper copy. Stewart truly began at his very beginning with his birth in Yorkshire and I kept zoning out. Then I realized that I could borrow the audiobook (read by the author!) from my library and I changed plans. I had a very long wait, but it was a good decision. Stewart's voice made the book for me.

I'm not much of a television watcher any more and I rarely attend a movie, but I was devoted fan of Star Trek TOS as a child and then TNG as a young adult. I saw all the movies based on these franchises. Jean Luc Picard was most definitely my captain. Incidentally, I am also a fan of Shakespeare and currently have a project going to see all of his plays performed. So I had double the reason to be a Patrick Stewart enthusiast. However, my obliviousness to acting meant that much of Stewart's name-dropping meant very little to me, despite his reveling in it.

I thought that Stewart was disarmingly honest about his insecurities and foibles. As an actor, I can understand his angst about losing his hair, feeling it would thwart his aspirations to be a leading man. Likewise, his Yorkshire upbringing meant that he wasn't necessarily conversant with things that other Brits might take for granted. (His childhood tales made me think of A Kestrel for a Knave). It's challenging to learn the rules of new social situations, even more so in class conscious Britain. For me, it was somewhat disconcerting to realize that the man who plays the calm, cool, competent captain of a starship has so much anxiety! An actor's life can be precarious, especially theatre actors. Insecurity about his appearance, his social standing, and reputation would only exacerbate that anxiousness.

For someone with a working class upbringing, Stewart quickly acquired some very elite preferences: Shakespeare, theatre, and classical music. A very unusual teenager! I completely understood his compulsion to read, driving him into the family loo with a book and a candle to get some uninterrupted time.

When the book first came out, I heard Stewart interviewed about it. He was able to laugh about being described by the Hollywood press as an “unknown Shakespearean actor.” He has certainly become a famous and well loved figure. I was pleased that he seems to be able to enjoy this status now, not to mention the financial rewards of his work.

[AndrewP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography that's narrated by the author in the audio version.
The story of Stewarts' career from his childhood in wartime Britain right up to the third season of Picard on TV. It's quite amazing that he came from a very poor background, living in a house with no hot water or bathroom. He never had much of a formal education but was obviously an acting prodegy, starting on the stage at about age 12. He even had to lie about his age because he was underage to be in the amature dramatic group he started with.
Quickly moving up in status he eventually did some 14 years with the RSC before being offered some movie parts (including David Lynch's Dune). After that he was of course Captain Pickard in STNG and then professor Xavier in the X-Men movies.
Many, many good stories here so highly recommended. Patrick Stewart's destintive voice makes this extra special as an audio book.