The 12 Best Patrick Stewart Roles That Aren’t Captain Picard

Sir Patrick Stewart can claim a laundry list of awards and acclaim on his resume, and he rocks a turtle neck sweater like no other. The British actor is adored for many reasons. He's charming, confident, silly, elegant, and doesn't take himself too seriously (despite his knighted status.) Though he'd been working steadily in England, an unlikely role came his way in 1987 that changed everything, turning him into a household name in the U.S. and around the globe. That would be the Earl Grey-drinking, noir-loving, contemplative hero of the USS Enterprise, Captain Jean-Luc Picard from "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Across seven seasons of "TNG," multiple feature films, and a recent spin-off, Stewart has continued to present Picard as an iconic Starfleet leader. From his initial interactions with the likes of Q (John de Lancie) to the vulnerability he displayed through Picard's more emotional post-Borg storylines, Stewart has showcased the ever-evolving duality within Picard without ever missing a step. It's a magic trick few can perform as gracefully or coolly as Stewart, part of the reason why he's a genuine treasure.

Yet even with his achievements as Picard, Stewart is more than just his "Star Trek" role. In this ranking, we'll look at the other performances that made him the pop-culture legend he is today.

Captain Ahab - Moby Dick (1998)

In 1998, "Moby Dick" proved to be quite an event. Not only did the television miniseries boast a stacked cast of outstanding talent, including "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial's" Henry Thomas as Ishmael and Gregory Peck (the grandfather of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" actor Ethan Peck) as Father Mapple, but it contained a sense of grandeur that few television efforts even tried to achieve. Casting Stewart as the revenge-filled sea commander, Ahab, remains a most-inspired choice. Why? It all has to do with the duality within Stewart's performance.

Stewart is at his best when he plays characters who live halfway between the light and the dark, and Ahab is no exception. Several roles on this list fit that bill. Ahab seeks justice, at any cost, for what the titular whale did to him years ago. Stewart conveys Ahab's obsession with a sense of confidence and majesty. This version of Herman Melville's story might not look as shiny now as it did back in the late 90s, due to its limited special effects. Still, Stewart's well-crafted portrayal of the author's unforgettable captain distinguishes the production from other adaptations.

Lord Yupa - Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)

Only a few animated heroes with incredible mustaches are as extraordinary as Lord Yupa from Hayao Miyazaki's sci-fi classic, "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind." Known as a loyal and fierce member of his post-apocalyptic community, Lord Yupa is everything a hero should be. He's strong and mysterious, has a memorable introduction, and fights wonderfully with a sword. But what makes Yupa extra cool (in the 2005 English dub of " Nausicaä") is that Patrick Stewart provides his voice. To some, that might sound like nothing significant, but for those who admire this popular Studio Ghibli swordmaster, it's easy to see how well Stewart's voice fits the character.

From the get-go, Stewart's delicious vocals add a regal and majestic quality to Lord Yupa. It's a small detail that supports Yupa's mentor relationship with the film's lead princess, Nausicaä, and it makes their bond feel even more genuine. But the key aspect of Stewart's performance is how much passion it adds to Yupa, especially during his intimidating battle sequences. It's such a rich vocal injection that it compels you to wonder about the character's origins and other details pertaining to his backstory. Ultimately, Stewart's portrayal of Yupa is a rare example of how specific English dubs can enrich the anime-watching experience.

King Richard - Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993)

In the grand scheme of Stewart's career, his work in the parody classic "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" is far from his juiciest role. But there's no denying that it certainly packs a comedic punch. Stewart cameos as King Richard, who arrives just in time to stop his brother, King John (Richard Lewis), from causing further chaos in Rottingham. And with his pent-up energy -- he's just returned from fighting in the Crusades -- Richard uses his royal powers (along with his keen sense of humor) to set everything right in the kingdom - resulting in one of the movie's best scenes.

A few Stewart fans might not consider this a sufficient example of the actor's best work, but when you see him share the screen alongside Cary Elwes as Robin Hood and director Mel Brooks as Rabbi Tuckman, it's impossible to not give the nod to this gem of a performance. Not only is Stewart always the perfect choice to play a mighty ruler (due to his majestic cinematic presence), but his elegant mannerisms are a brilliantly comedic juxtaposition to the dialogue Brooks and company supply. Plus, if you're an avid "TNG" fan, then you know how well Stewart slides into the "Robin Hood" story (regardless of the role he has in the tale.) Ultimately, while a smaller part, Stewart's portrayal of King Richard is as hilarious as Stewart's voice is mighty. 

Ebenezer Scrooge - A Christmas Carol (1999)

Timeless stories, great roles, and Patrick Stewart go perfectly together. Another example: Charles Dickens' haunting yuletide tale "A Christmas Carol," with Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge. Not only is Stewart the master of bringing complicated and resentful protagonists to life, but his regal aura complements Dickens' iconic character. The actor also possesses a face and stature ideal for Victorian-era stories and a voice that transforms the author's classic dialogue, elevating it to something more elegant than ever. But the true brilliance of Stewart's interpretation of Scrooge? He doesn't overdo his performance.

In the grand scheme of "Christmas Carol" adaptations, too many Scrooge portrayals (like Jim Carrey, for example) focus on chewing the scenery and camping up the character's most despicable moments. Stewart goes in a different direction, focusing on the cold and numb aspects of the memorable miser, lending believability to his emotional shift by the tale's heartwarming conclusion. Sure, this 1999 TV version might not be the most powerful version of the Christmas classic overall (sluggish pacing doesn't help). Still, Stewart breathes more humanity into Scrooge than other bolder adaptations before or since. Plus, how can you not love seeing Stewart laugh with glee while wearing pajamas? It's a Christmas present for the ages!

John Thornton - North & South (1975)

A look at Stewart's credits reveals something obvious: a dearth of opportunities to flex his romantic-lead acting muscles. The 1975 BBC adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's "North & South" rates as a rare exception. Viewers glimpsed a different side of Stewart, one that is conflicted but romantic in the best of ways. In the miniseries, a spirited young woman named Margaret Hale (Rosalind Shanks) finds her life significantly altered when her father moves their family to the industrial world of Milton. As she begins to recognize the brutal ways of her new home, Margaret encounters various fascinating figures that impact her, including the cold, calculated (but handsome) mill owner, John Thornton, played, of course, by the future Sir Patrick.

At first glance, Stewart's portrayal of Thornton comes off a tad one-note and seems more focused on highlighting the anti-social aspects of the character and nothing else. But as "North & South" progresses, audiences will note the kindness at the core of John's soul, which Stewart organically displays during the miniseries' most emotional sequences. One such example occurs during the second episode when John heroically carries a fainted Margaret up the stairs and whispers his love for her. And while this "North & South" has its messy and lackluster qualities when it comes to its direction, Stewart's take on Thornton remains one of its better aspects.

Himself - Extras (2005)

Some of the best performances by beloved actors happen when they play themselves, and Sir Patrick Stewart is no exception. The acclaimed talent has allowed himself to laugh at his own craft and popularity several times, none quite as awesome as his turn in Ricky Gervais' 2005 sitcom classic, "Extras." In the series, Gervais plays Andy Millman, an aspiring thespian whose work has been primarily as an extra for various on-screen projects. He eventually crosses paths with Stewart. The two discuss the finer elements of the film industry, along with some of Stewart's own exciting ideas, resulting in absolute comedic gold.

From his ridiculous idea for a movie starring a spy who can undress women telepathically to his final "Star Trek"-related comment, the genius of this scene is how it blurs Stewart's professional image with that of an incredibly unprofessional, sex-obsessed guy. The absurdity of his misogynistic comments is even more notable as the scene continues, simply because Stewart plays himself with complete earnestness from beginning to end. 

Henry - The Lion In Winter (2003)

If ever there were an actor suited to play a king (or any royal, for that matter), it would be Stewart. Not only does he have the regal aesthetic and voice to match, but with his Shakespearean chops, there's no limit to the powerful energy he can bring to such a significant role. If you need proof, look no further than the 2003 adaptation of James Goldman's play "The Lion in Winter," in which Stewart takes on the role of King Henry II, a ruler who must choose his next heir after the untimely death of his eldest son. From interpersonal battles of intellect to actual bloodshed, the struggle to render such a decision is obviously far from easy -- all of which Stewart conveys through smart acting choices.

While it's near impossible to equal the work of Peter O'Toole from the 1968 version, Stewart brings his unique combination of tenderness and passion to the role. Sure, he might not be as much of a scene-chewer as O'Toole and other memorable performers, yet there's a refreshing quality to his more down-to-Earth portrayal of King Henry, especially during the more intense interpersonal moments near the end. Plus, it's impossible to resist the magic of Stewart being paired alongside the great Glenn Close as Queen Eleanor. 

King Claudius - Hamlet (1980)

Prior to gaining fame as one of the most respected Starfleet captains in the galaxy, Stewart was best known for his bold Shakespearean talents. From "Macbeth" to "Othello," along with several of the playwright's other notable titles, Stewart has managed to play some of the greatest, most challenging roles ever created. Arguably one of his most significant, and also one of his earliest, is King Claudius in the 1980's TV adaptation of "Hamlet." Produced by the BBC, this small but impressive production features a world-class cast, including Derek Jacobi as the titular protagonist and Lalla Ward as Ophelia. But it's Stewart who makes the biggest mark -- and for many reasons.For starters, Stewart's charming on-screen persona is the ideal contrast to the villainous elements within King Claudius. His signature smile and kind eyes might not seem antagonistic, but as Claudius' plans progress, it's easier to catch the true evil at the character's core. Of course, some fans might have a hard time ignoring how Stewart was a bit too young for the part, but that's a minor issue in an otherwise fantastic, passionate, and well-calculated performance. Years later, in a 2009 production of "Hamlet," Stewart reprised his Claudius for a whole new generation to enjoy -- and he killed it.

Gurney Halleck - Dune (1984)

Long before Denis Villeneuve attempted his own adaptation of Frank Herbert's "Dune," quirky director David Lynch helmed a very 80s take on the beloved sci-fi classic. Though considered a commercial failure, no one can fault Lynch's casting choices. From Kyle MacLachlan as the courageous Paul Atreides to Sting as the ridiculous Feyd-Rautha, the list of memorable members of the film's acting ensemble never ends. One performance not talked about enough is Stewart's portrayal of the heroic and musically talented Gurney Halleck from the Atreides' court.

Stewart, from his first moment to his last, does a terrific job of bringing to life the charming supporting character many came to adore within the pages of "Dune." If played by someone else, Gurney could have come across as a one-note mentor figure with nothing more to offer than typical words of wisdom. Stewart portrays Gurney with just the right amount of fierceness and camp; which fits both the character and Lynch's interpretation of "Dune." He also gets a moment to scream "Atomics!" in a ferociously belligerent manner, which is the cherry on top of this ultimately memorable performance.

Narrator - Ted (2012)

One of the funniest elements in Seth MacFarlane's hysterical 2012 comedy "Ted" is Stewart's narration of this chaotic tale of a man (Mark Wahlberg) and his relationship with his beloved childhood friend (voiced by MacFarlane), a Teddy bear that magically comes to life. What exactly stands out about Stewart's vocal performance? The sincerity and whimsical energy he provides to MacFarlane's over-the-top, R-rated fairy tale.

Starting with a sweet introduction of the unlikely pair's Christmas origins to the "Flash Gordon"-fueled conclusion, Stewart absolutely nails the enchanting "Once upon a time ..." narrator vibes MacFarlane was aiming for in his script. And it becomes even more amusing when the typically classy Stewart utters some uncharacteristically off-color lines. Ultimately, this narration gig proves how funny, delightful, and downright ridiculous Stewart can be in the proper (or un-proper in this case) part.

Professor Charles Xavier - The X-Men Franchise (2000)

Sir Patrick Stewart was born to portray Professor Charles Xavier in Marvel's "X-Men" franchise. Sure, many fans had grown to love the actor thanks to his days aboard the Enterprise, but there's no denying that just as many (or arguably more) people have come to love him for his work within this iconic superhero saga. It's not just Stewart's signature bald look that made him an impeccable choice to play the gifted mutant mentor, but also his gravitas. It's all about the depth he brings to the character.

From his memorable introduction in the original "X-Men" movie to his latest cameo in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," Stewart has continued to evolve Xavier over time from a caring father figure to a complex individual filled with as much guilt towards his actions as pride for his family of mutants. Stewart's "Logan" performance best exemplifies this, as the actor produces a vulnerability within Xavier that fans never thought they'd see on screen. And while narrative issues abound in the various "X-Men" projects Stewart has been a part of, regardless of the final product, he's always remained a consistent bright spot.

Darcy - Green Room (2015)

While Stewart is no stranger to portraying villains, no antagonistic role of his has been quite as diabolical as Darcy in Jeremy Saulnier's "Green Room." Darcy leads a neo-Nazi skinhead group that holds a punk band hostage after they witness a brutal murder at his bar. The rest of the film follows the band as they try to escape this horrific situation before Darcy and his men finish their terrifying task.

Though most people initially might have a hard time buying Stewart as such a despicable foe, he delivers just the right number of unnerving qualities in his portrayal of Darcy. The character never feels like a mustache-twirling bad guy, which makes Darcy more haunting than larger-than-life villains a la Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees. And, unlike those fictional villains, there are real-life Darcys in this world. Couple that with the believability Stewart brings to the proceedings in his truly Oscar-worthy performance, and "Green Room" grows even scarier the more you think about it.

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