Patrick Stewart was born Mirfield, Yorkshire, England. He was a member of various local drama groups from about age 12, and left school at 15 to work as junior reporter on local paper. He quit when the editor told him he was spending too much time at the theatre and not enough working.

Stewart was accepted by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1957, and had his professional debut 1959 in Repertory in Lincoln; work at Manchester Library Theatre and a tour round the world with the Old Vic Company followed in the early 60s. Stewart joined Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, to begin 27-year association.

In the mid 80's he went to Los Angeles to star in his most popular role: Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran from 1987 - 1994, playing the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. His role as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-MEN franchise has only increased his fan base further.

Stewart plays Charles Xavier in X-Men 3.