Summary: Making It So by Patrick Stewart

In his memoir Making It So, Patrick Stewart takes readers on a journey through his life and career, from his humble beginnings in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England to his global stardom as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films.

 

The book in three sentences:

• A memoir of Patrick Stewart's life and career, from his humble beginnings in England to his global stardom as Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films.
• Stewart writes about his relationships with his family and friends, his struggles with depression and addiction, and his commitment to social justice.
• He also shares his thoughts on the nature of acting and the importance of theater.

Stewart begins by recounting his childhood and adolescence, growing up in a working-class family during World War II. He describes his early love of acting and his decision to pursue a career in the theater. After graduating from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Stewart began appearing in regional productions and eventually made his way to London's West End.

In the 1970s, Stewart began to appear on television and in films. He had notable roles in the British miniseries I, Claudius and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, as well as the films Excalibur and Dune. In 1987, he was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Stewart became a household name.

Making It So is more than just a memoir of Stewart's career; it is also a reflection on his life and his philosophy. Stewart writes about his relationships with his family and friends, his struggles with depression and addiction, and his commitment to social justice. He also shares his thoughts on the nature of acting and the importance of theater.

One of the most striking aspects of Stewart's memoir is his honesty and openness. He does not shy away from discussing the challenges he has faced in his life, both personal and professional. He also writes with candor about his thoughts and feelings on a variety of topics, from politics to religion.

Another notable aspect of Making It So is Stewart's passion for acting. He writes about his love of the craft and the joy he finds in performing. He also shares his insights into the process of acting and the challenges of playing different roles.

Stewart's memoir is a must-read for fans of his work, as well as anyone interested in the life of a successful actor. It is a well-written and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the world of acting and the human experience.

Here is a more detailed summary of some of the key themes and events in the book:

• Childhood and adolescence: Stewart was born in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England in 1940. He grew up in a working-class family during World War II. His father was a baker and his mother was a homemaker. Stewart had a difficult childhood; he was bullied at school and his parents divorced when he was nine years old.
• Early love of acting: Stewart developed a love of acting at a young age. He performed in school plays and joined a local amateur theater group. He also attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, but left after one year due to financial difficulties.
• Career beginnings: Stewart began his professional acting career in the early 1960s. He appeared in regional theater productions and eventually made his way to London's West End. He had notable roles in productions such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Hamlet.
• Television and film success: In the 1970s, Stewart began to appear on television and in films. He had notable roles in the British miniseries I, Claudius and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, as well as the films Excalibur and Dune.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation: In 1987, Stewart was cast as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Stewart became a household name. He played Picard for seven seasons and also reprised the role in four feature films.
• Other notable roles: In addition to his work on Star Trek, Stewart has appeared in a variety of other notable roles, including Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men films, King Lear in a BBC production, and Prospero in a Broadway production of The Tempest.
• Personal struggles: Stewart has been open about his struggles with depression and addiction. He has also spoken about his experiences with bullying and homophobia.
• Commitment to social justice: Stewart is a strong advocate for social justice. He has supported a variety of charitable causes, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Campaign.
• Philosophy of acting: Stewart believes that acting is a way to connect with others and explore the human condition. He is also a strong believer in the power of theater to educate and inspire.

Making It So is a well-written and insightful memoir that offers a unique perspective on the life of a successful actor. Stewart's honesty and openness make Making It So a compelling read. He does not shy away from discussing the challenges he has faced in his life, both personal and professional. He also writes with candor about his thoughts and feelings on a variety of topics, from politics to religion.

One of the most striking aspects of Stewart's memoir is his passion for acting. He writes about his love of the craft and the joy he finds in performing. He also shares his insights into the process of acting and the challenges of playing different roles.

Stewart's memoir is a must-read for fans of his work, as well as anyone interested in the life of a successful actor. It is a well-written and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the world of acting and the human experience.

In addition to the above, here are some other notable themes and events in the book:

• Stewart's relationship with his family: Stewart writes about his close relationship with his mother and his brother, Trevor. He also discusses his difficult relationship with his father, who was emotionally abusive.
• Stewart's marriages and children: Stewart has been married three times. He has two children from his first marriage.
• Stewart's struggles with depression and addiction: Stewart writes about his struggles with depression and addiction with honesty and openness. He also discusses his recovery process.
• Stewart's commitment to social justice: Stewart is a strong advocate for social justice. He has supported a variety of charitable causes, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Campaign. He has also spoken out against discrimination and injustice.
• Stewart's philosophy of acting: Stewart believes that acting is a way to connect with others and explore the human condition. He is also a strong believer in the power of theater to educate and inspire.

Stewart's memoir is a rich and rewarding read. It is a story of resilience, triumph, and the power of the human spirit.

Conclusion

In the conclusion of his memoir, Patrick Stewart reflects on his life and career, and offers his thoughts on the importance of acting and theater. He writes about how acting has helped him to understand himself and the world around him, and how theater can bring people together and inspire change.

Stewart also discusses his commitment to social justice, and how his experiences as an actor have made him more aware of the challenges faced by marginalized groups. He writes that he hopes his memoir will inspire others to use their voices to speak out against injustice.

In the end, Stewart concludes that his life has been "a remarkable journey," and that he is grateful for all of the opportunities he has been given. He writes that he hopes to continue to act and inspire others for many years to come.