Making It So

A Memoir

By: Patrick Stewart

Narrated 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.

Critic reviews

‘[A] rich, beguiling autobiography’

‘Patrick’s early life is a Dickensian tale of domestic violence and misfortune, transformed by chance and some good folk into the actor internationally admired and loved. He writes as well as he acts, with insight, truth and passion. Another Stewart Triumph!’ (Sir Ian McKellen)

‘There is so much to say about Sir Patrick. He is an amazing actor, great to look at, really funny and up for anything. He is a kind man… compassionate and sensitive…. but, as you will find when you read the book, his greatest asset as a human being is the fact that he is so completely and unapologetically himself’ (Whoopi Goldberg)

‘I read this book in a state of wonder, not just for the author’s gifts as a nuanced storyteller and sharp observer, but for those other remarkable gifts, of intelligence, sensitivity, wit, intuition, self-awareness and élan that were bestowed on him when he came into the world – all of which he has freely shared with us so long and so beautifully; and finished reading in a state of deep gratitude for the gifts, and the gift, of Patrick Stewart’

(Michael Chabon)

‘What a glorious memoir Sir Patrick Stewart has written. His prose is elegant and beautiful, diamond-like in its clarity and precision, and his recollections of his life are full of tenderness, insight, candour and pathos. If he hadn't been so busy all these years being a great actor, delighting us all, he could have been a great writer, and now with this book, he is one’ (Jonathan Ames)

Bravo Sir Patrick!

Patrick Stewart’s Making it So is an evocative, powerful and moving memoir of an extraordinary life lived to the full. Clearly the young Patrick was born with great charisma and talent, but it is his work ethic, passion and sense of appreciation that really shine through over the course of his life. The book commences with an intimate, well-drawn exploration of his childhood, family life and schooling growing up in simple poverty Yorkshire around WW2. It then goes into a fascinating exploration of the UK theatre scene from the 1950’s to the 1970’s, during which Stewart patiently learns his craft and earns his accolades, culminating in his long career with the Royal Shakespeare Company amongst other acting legends such as Vivian Lee, Ralph Richardson, Ben Kingsley, David Warner, Brian Blessed and Malcolm McDowell. Paul McCartney also makes a cameo in a hilarious anecdote.

Although successful as a gifted character stage actor , Stewart’s really big break comes in his late 40’s when he is cast as Jean-Luc Picard, captain of the Starship Enterprise in STNG. Again, Stewart applies his tireless work ethic and commitment to this role, giving the character and the show a gravitas that helped it transcend its awkward novelty reboot status to stand the test of time. This, in turn, gives Stewart many opportunities to perform on both stage and screen from his 50’s to his 80’s, cementing himself as one of the greatest actors of his time. The latter days bromance with fellow UK legend Ian McKellan is a particularly enjoyable and endearing part of the book.

As in all good memoirs, Stewart shares his flaws, weaknesses and doubts as well as his many admirable qualities and successes. It becomes very clear over the course of the book that he continually prioritises his career over his marriage and family life, ultimately fracturing his relationships with his children and leaving him lonely during many parts of his life. He shares his serial infidelities frankly, without trying to sugar coat his behaviour.

I am a fan of Shakespeare, English Theatre and Star Trek so I expected to enjoy this book, but also expected to find it a bit pompous and self-congratulatory. While it is… sort of, it’s also an extremely enjoyable, uplifting and inspiring read about a man who through his own hard work and talent has deservedly taken his place amongst the pantheon of greats. Bravo, Sir Patrick.

A life well lived.

Patrick Stewart’s voice is known to us all through the voice of Jean Luc Picard and I would have loved to be able to hear and see him on the stage is one of the many Shakespeare plays he performed over the years, but living so far away in New Zealand I was never able to do this. The tale of a boy from a poor Yorkshire boy who was able to fulfil his dreams and become so much more than he ever could have imagine. Patrick doesn’t gloss over mistakes he made along the way but simply takes us on the journey.

A great man & a great story

Thank you Patrick for taking the time & effort to leave us this legacy. We’ll worth the read.