The Unforgettable Roles of Sir Patrick Stewart: A Journey Through His Best Films

The Versatile Actor: A Journey Through Sir Patrick Stewart's Career

Sir Patrick Stewart may be best known for playing Professor X and Jean-Luc Picard in recent years, but he has proven himself capable of embodying many great characters in the movies that best define his career. As with most British actors, Stewart has a background not only in theater, but also in television and film, and it's for those films that he has become the most recognized. Within these performances, he has showcased the ability to play a myriad of parts and easily transitioned between taxing roles.

Moses and Pharaoh Seti talking in The Prince of Egypt

As such an iconic figure with a distinctive voice, Stewart may be easily recognized in the roles he takes on, but he is also able to disappear into his work so that the character is what shines. He got his start on the stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company in England and was quickly distinguished for his work in the theater. When he took on the role of Picard in the Star Trek revival, it was an interesting pivot for his career, but ultimately a successful one, as he was able to broaden his work and abilities.

The Prince of Egypt: Stewart's Shakespearean Presence

Stewart was able to flex his Shakespearean muscles in the role of Pharaoh Seti in The Prince of Egypt as he is a fearsome ruler who exercises his power and influence over those around him. Although it is not the largest role in the film, Stewart makes it memorable, and the shadow of this powerful father figure haunts Moses for the rest of his life. He has an assertive presence in the film, which helps the audience understand why Moses was captivated by his teachings and beliefs for so long. The film is an excellent example of Stewart's ability in voice work and his contribution to children's media.

X2: X-Men United - Stewart's Profound Portrayal of Professor X

Of the central X-Men franchise films from the early 2000s, X2 stands out because of Stewart's prominent role as Charles Xavier aka Professor X. One of the best parts of the film is the chemistry that Stewart has with his friend turned nemesis, Magneto. The two actors play off each other beautifully, and the film develops their relationship, allowing Stewart's performance to have additional depth. In playing Professor X, an actor could easily let the history of the character do the work, or the fantastical elements of the movie carry the drama, but Stewart does neither. He portrays Professor X with all the weight and empathy as any other character. Even with the high stakes of world-ending villains around him, he treats the dynamics between characters with the same importance as if the film were an interpersonal drama.

Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier aka Professor X in X2