Jonathan Frakes has recently shared his heartfelt memories of the late Patrick Stewart, who passed away on 28 October at the age of 86 due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. The two actors first met in 1987 while filming the iconic series *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, which went on to become a significant part of their lives and careers.
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Reflecting on their initial encounter, Frakes recounted an amusing moment when they were heading to the makeup trailer. “I recognised him straight away, and we started talking about baseball,” Frakes said during an interview with KTLA 5 Morning News. He then recalled how Stewart, with his distinct accent, insisted that cricket was the superior sport. Their shared passion for sports quickly deepened their friendship, with Frakes mentioning that they often attended Los Angeles Dodgers games together.
Frakes, who portrayed Commander William Riker alongside Stewart’s Captain Jean-Luc Picard, described the profound impact Stewart had on his craft as an actor. He remarked, “When you act with an actor like that, you get better,” highlighting the growth he experienced during their extensive collaboration across 182 episodes, four films, and three seasons of *Star Trek: Picard*. Their relationship evolved both on and off-screen, with Frakes noting that he frequently directed and acted alongside Stewart, making him a significant influence in his artistic journey.
Following Stewart’s passing, Frakes offered a poignant tribute, stating, “There’s no one on this planet that I have acted with or directed more often than my late great friend Patrick Stewart. He will be with me forever. May he rest in peace.” This sentiment encapsulates the deep bond that had formed between the two actors over the decades.
Stewart’s health struggles were known to his *Star Trek* co-stars, and Frakes commented that the cast was prepared for the news of his demise. In a statement released by Stewart’s representative, it was confirmed that he had endured a “brief and poignant journey” with his illnesses, although he had kept this diagnosis private. Stewart passed away in his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by the love of his wife, Sunny Ozell.
Frakes also reminisced about the strong sense of community that had developed amongst the cast during their time together on the show. He recalled Saturday nights spent sharing dinners with the ensemble, saying, “We’ve been a family for 40 years.” This tradition of camaraderie not only strengthened their professional relationships but also fostered lifelong friendships outside the filming set.
Gates McFadden, who portrayed Dr. Beverly Crusher and was another of Stewart’s long-time co-stars, expressed her sadness over his illness and passing in an essay published by *Variety*. She noted that many of the cast members had hoped to see him again despite being aware of his deteriorating health. Reflecting on the quality of Stewart’s final moments, she suggested that he would have wished to pass in the comfort of his wife’s embrace—something she described as a “beautiful and peaceful death.”
In addition to his work in *Star Trek*, Frakes has directed various episodes and films within the franchise, including *Star Trek: First Contact* and *Star Trek: Insurrection*. He also made guest appearances in *Star Trek: Picard*, further strengthening his ongoing connection to the series that defined a generation of science fiction.
As fans and colleagues alike mourn Stewart’s loss, the legacy he leaves behind resonates strongly within the *Star Trek* community and beyond. His contributions to theatre and film, combined with the warmth of his personality and his intellect, will ensure his memory lives on for many years to come. Jonathan Frakes’ recollections serve as a reminder of the profound impact Stewart had not just as a remarkable actor, but as a cherished friend within an iconic family of actors.
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