Patrick Stewart's Unforgettable Encounter: Watching Gone With The Wind with a Legendary Movie Star of 1939

Summary

Patrick Stewart recalls a touching encounter with Vivien Leigh while watching Gone With the Wind together, as she became emotional reminiscing about her late co-stars.

Vivien Leigh, though her fame was not well-established at the time, delivered an exceptional performance in classic Hollywood, earning her an Academy Award for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara.

Sitting alongside Leigh during the film provided Stewart with a memorable experience, showcasing his enduring presence in the entertainment industry and cementing his legendary status, much like Leigh herself.

Patrick Stewart remembers watching Gone With the Wind with Vivien Leigh, the star of the classic 1939 film. Today, Stewart is best known for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and X-Men, but before that, he performed Shakespearean dramas on the British stage. During this time, he had the opportunity to work alongside Leigh, who was also a legendary stage and screen actress, known for her role in A Streetcar Named Desire.

In a recent appearance on Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Stewart shared a memorable encounter with Leigh. He recounted sitting next to her during a screening of Gone With the Wind and witnessing her heartfelt reaction to the film. Stewart also mentioned how Leigh gracefully excused herself from the screening, as the movie proved to be emotionally overwhelming for her. You can watch his remarks in the clip below (starting at around 3:30).

Sitting beside her was her breathtaking boyfriend, John Merivale, who was elegantly dressed in an exquisite suit. Throughout the evening, I noticed her frequently touching her face. Suddenly, she turned towards me, grasped my hand, and expressed, "Patrick, I must depart. This is truly distressing. You see, many of the wonderful people I used to work with are no longer with us, and it deeply saddens me. Thank you for being here. I hope you enjoy the rest of the night." With that, she got up from her seat and together with John, exited the venue. Her heartfelt gesture moved me profoundly. Instead of simply leaving, she took the time to express her gratitude for my presence and kindly elucidate her emotional state.

Patrick Stewart Is Now A Legend, Just Like Vivien Leigh

Leigh gained huge fame after securing the iconic role of Scarlett O'Hara, surpassing veteran Hollywood stars such as Bette Davis and Paulette Godard. The decision to cast Leigh turned out to be a successful move for producer David O. Selznick, as she delivered a remarkable performance that earned her the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actress.

Over the years, Gone With the Wind has been reevaluated and is now widely regarded as a film with significant issues. However, Vivien Leigh's performance as the resilient Scarlett, which drew audiences in with its emotional impact, continues to receive praise. A heartfelt anecdote shared by Stewart highlights the enduring impact of Leigh's performance, while also showcasing Stewart's extensive career in the entertainment industry. While Leigh is rightfully celebrated, particularly for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara, Stewart has also become an esteemed figure in both television and film thanks to his iconic roles as Jean-Luc Picard and Professor X.