Patrick played "Captain Jean-Luc Picard" on the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series and in three motion pictures.

Question: Mr. Stewart. Your One Man Play which you are working on converting into a television movie for this winter, will it remain a One Man Play, or are you forced to make modifications to incorporate other cast?
Darryl

PS: Hello Darryl. Thanks for your question and hello again to everybody. I'm starting with this question because it picks up right where my work is today. I just left a meeting with my co-executive producer of A Christmas Carol, Robert Halmi, Sr., and he tells me that our movie is looking very beautiful. It is of course a conventional movie and not my one man show. For several years I tried to get the one man show produced as a film but never found a taker. But I'm very happy with the result of the Christmas Carol we filmed this winter in England. It's very true to my one many show and we believe, to Dickens great story. It will air on the 5th of December on TNT. I hope everyone will have a chance to see it either on that day or one of the many screenings up to and including Christmas Day.

Q: How do you feel that star trek has either enhanced or hindered your stage career?? Or do you think there is no change?
Darron

PS: Hello Darron. I chose your question next because it connects with Darryl's question... I would not have had an opportunity to perform my one man show of Christmas Carol on stage had it not been for the success and popularity of Next Generation. The first week of the production in NY in 1992 was supported almost exclusively by ST fans. The success of ST has touched mostly in a positive way every aspect of my career since 1987.

Q: A Belated Happy Birthday, Mr. Stewart! Since I will be celebrating my birthday on July 29th, would you be so kind as to reciprocate a birthday greeting?
Lynette

PS: Hello Lynette. Thank you for your best wishes. And I'm sure you're aware you celebrate your birthday with an old, or maybe not so old, friend of mine and colleague, Wil Wheaton.

Q: Do you think that working on the X-Men movie will be different from the Star Trek movie's you have done? If so, by how much?
David

PS: David, X-Men as I understand it, is fantasy and not science fiction; And therefore the tone of the movie is bound to be different and the attitude of actors to the material will change. I will of course be without my buddies from the Enterprise but happily, an even older buddy, Sir Ian McKellen will be playing my counterpart, Magneto, in the movie.

Q: I've just finished reading William Shatner's "Star Trek Memories," "Movie Memories," and "Get a Life!", which I found thoroughly enjoyable. Have you ever considered writing similar chronicles of your experiences with Star Trek and/or fandom?
Vel

PS: Hello Vel. I'm glad you enjoyed Bill's writing. I'm still waiting for him to send me my complimentary copies...so I can't comment on the quality of the work. But yes, I have been asked several times to write an autobio or work with a ghost writer on an autobiography. On each occasion I have passed because for some inner reason that I can't articulate I have not felt the time was right. The fact is, if ever I should want to publish the story of my life, I would certainly want to be the one to write it. I guess I'll know when the moment has come.

Q: When will I get the chance to see you live on stage in London? Are there any plans for future plays? We would especially like to see A Christmas Carol in Europe soon!
Gaby

PS: Hello Gaby. We're assuming you're somewhere in Europe. Where I'm sorry to say I have no immediate plans for appearing on stage, but if you could make the trip to New York, I hope to be on Broadway from April of 2000 reviving the Public Theatre 1998 production of Arthur Miller's play, "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan." I hope as many of you this evening as possible will see that production. It's a great play.

Q: 1)how are you? 2)do you speak french? 3)are you married?lol 4)how old are you?
Myriane

PS: Hello Myriane. Okay. No. No. Refer back to the previous question.

Q: Can you really play a flute?
Beth

PS: Hi Beth. My last two jobs were with the San Francisco Symphony orchestra and the Boston Symphony orchestra so I have been spending a lot of time around brilliant musicians. And as a music lover, I am the best to appreciate my modest musical talents. However! The flute playing in "Lessons" and "Inner Light" was all my own work.

Q: After you get your production company launched, do you have a particular genre of film material you would like to produce? Would it be sci-fi, mystery, drama, action, history, or comedy?
Sherry

PS: Hello Sherry. Thank you for your question about Flying Freehold productions. Which is already launched in that we co-produce the production of Christmas Carol for Hallmark Entertainment for TNT. We have a slate of approximately a dozen movies in development; none are science fiction. We have a western, historical movie, second world war movie, action comedy movie and a very comtempory love story, among others. Something tells me, I don't know what, I will be steering clear of science fiction and fantasy.

Q: When did you first get introduced to Shakespeare's works, and do you have a favorite play or quote?
Kira

PS: Hello Kira. Thank you for your question. I must have been 9 or 10 years old when I heard a production of The Tempest on BBC Radio. But someone had given me a complete works of Shakespeare... I don't know why... and I was able to follow the play in the text. And Shakespeare has been a very important part of my life since that time. My first experience of Shakespeare was of hearing it rather than reading it. But having the words in front of me as the actors were speaking it made it a very full experience. I don't recommend this for people going to see Shakespeare in the theatre. I hope you love Shakespeare too, and will continue to keep him in your life.

Q: Hey are you into computers? Like on "Masterminds"
Trekkie from Utah

PS: Hello Trekkie from Utah. I'm modestly computer literate. Though, I think I spend as much time raging at my laptop as using it. Do you have the same problems? In fact, like so many of us, technology has now become a necessary part of my professional and personal life. Although I still tend to use my computer as a rather advanced typewriter.

Q: Have you become a US citizen yet? I remember that you had a desire to vote in the last presidential election.(You said that on Leno or some other talk show)
Justin

PS: Hello Justin. No, I'm still a resident alien (pause for laughter). Though I am investigating the possibility of acquiring duel citizenship as I would not wish to relinquish my UK citizenship. So if you are considering running for office you are wasting your time canvassing my vote.

Q: Hi Mr. Stewart! I am huge fan of Star Trek, and even here in Norway Star Trek have fans. Are You or any of the Star Trek "Team" comming to Norway? It would be fun. Love Tom Erik
Tom

PS: Greetings Tom in Norway. Sadly, I have no plans to visit Norway or any other part of Scandinavia. But recently, I was recollecting warmly two visits I paid to Stavanger in the late 70's and early 80's. I was accompanied by my friend and director John Barton from the Royal Shakespeare Company and we conducted Shakespeare workshops with the Stavanger Theatre company. They were delightful and very talented people. But can you explain to me why it was always night?!

Q: Do your friends call you Pat?
Gemma

PS: Gemma, you see I have a dual existence. For the first 30 years of my career, I was known exclusively as Pat Stewart. That is of course in England. When I came to California, everyone called me Patrick. Which is what I always wanted. My pals on TNG always knew that if they wanted to get under my skin, all they had to do was call me Pat. I'm actually named Patrick after my father - whose name was Alfred. Work that out.

Q: I saw a TV movie where you played a ghost trying to scare off a family from your castle. There was a scene you did that gave me CHILLS - it was so intense! What is the name of that movie? I'd like to see if it's on video.
Pati

PS: Hello Pati. The movie was called, "The Canterville Ghost" and I played the eponymous role. It is now available on video and my co-star in that movie was a then little known actress, now a star and household name...Neve Campbell.

Q: How did you enjoy your live appearances at Tangewood last week? What did you think of Seiji Ozawa, the Boston Symphony, and the Tanglewood Festival Chorus?
Suzanne

PS: Hello Suzanne. I wonder, were you at Tanglewood? It was a wonderful experience. Except for the heat, the humidity and the bugs. However, I was well compensated for those by the company of Emanual Ax, Ricardo Abbado and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Sadly, this time around, maestro Ozawa was only an audience member for my performances, but he was delightful and enthusiastic. Working with musicians has become one of the great delights in my career. Last month I was in San Francisco with the symphony there. And it's hard for me to describe the thrill and excitement of being on stage with great musicians and great music. I am not musical, although an aspiring singer, and I hope there are many more opportunities to work with musicians like these.

Q: Hi! Who is a better singer You or No.1?
Davor

PS: Hello Davor. Number One is louder. But I have the quality.

Q: Hello Patrick! My question is, what is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Joann

PS: Hello Joann. I have to confess, I confess I prefer Sorbet to ice cream. (It's healthier too) and if I had to choose a flavor, I think it would be...kiwi, or as sometimes called, passion fruit. Because I am such a passionate fruit.

Q: Who is your favourite female character in Shakespeare's plays and why do you like her?
Sycorax

PS: Hello Sycorax. I know your dam. Rosalind in "As You Like It" and Hermione in "The Winter's Tale" would be my favorite Shakespearean women. Rosiland seems to understand everything especially about men and Hermione is so faithful, loyal and loving.

Q: What do you miss most when you are away from Britain?
Iain

PS: Hello Iain. So many things. But I would have to mention the sports pages of the daily newspapers. And of course, my home.

Q: Mr. Stewart how do you feel about William Shatner's remark about Kirk being able to kick Picard's butt? Could he?
Brandon

PS: Hello Brandon. I think its delightful. However...I suspect Bill could not get his boot that high.

Q: Dear Patrick Stewart, Hello, My name is Richard Freitag and I am from Australia, I was wondering if you would ever consisder doing a convention down here in Australia?
Captain Freitag

PS: Hello Captain. In fact, I appeared at conventions publicly in Sydney and privately in Melbourne in 1997. Where were you?

Q: My ex-roomate once told me that you visited Canada's capital of Ottawa. If this is so, what was your impressions.
Captain Wells

PS: Greetings Capt. Wells. I have never been in Ottawa. Is that in Canada? But I have worked in Vancouver and Edmonton and expect to spend a large part of this winter filming in Toronto.

Q: Do you have any plans in the future to direct a Star Trek feature film or any other feature film for that matter?
CaptJeni309

PS: Hello Capt. Jeni... Where the heck did all these captains come from and who the heck gave you the right to call yourselves captain? I have one project with my company which I hope to direct. Unfortunately, I cannot say more as it is a brand new project.

Q: I recently read somewhere that you would not be doing any more Star Trek movies. Is there any truth to this?
Baan

PS: Hello Baan. I have no reliable information about any future ST movie. And I think it unlikely that anyone will have for another 9-12 months. When I know, you will be the first to hear.

Q: Did you and Liam Neeson get to know each other at all on the set of Excalibur when you were both relative unknowns?
TR1SPY

PS: Yes, I remember Liam well from Excalibur. He was very charismatic and unless he was sitting down, I always had to look up at him when we talked. If you look down the cast list of Excalibur, you will find several names unknown then, but commonly known today.

Q: Do you like PC's or Mac's?
Holodeck woman named Minuet

PS: Hello Holodeck woman named Minuet. I'm a Mac man. Couldn't you tell? And by the way...Minuet was probably the favorite guest character of mine and Jonathan Frakes. We often campaigned to have her back, but with no success.

Q: Are you a soccer fan, Patrick? If so, which is your favorite UK team?
Jonathan

PS: Hello Jonathan. Yes, a big soccer fan. I was a fine overlapping right full back in my day. My team is Huddersfield Town in the English first division.

Q: Did you ever played in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE ?
Lunastar

PS: Hello Lunastar. I played Shylock in the Merchant of Venice twice. In 1964 in Bristol and in 1979 in Stratford on Avon.

Q: Greetings Mr. Stewart;I loved your work in Safe House, how difficult was it to get into the paranoid mind set that your character possesed? It seemed very frightening.
Mike

PS: Hello Mike. I'm so glad you enjoyed Safehouse. It's one of my favorite movies. I felt a strong connection with the character of Mace Sowell. And that was part of the initial appeal of the screenplay. I spent a lot of time studying and trying to understand Alzheimer's disease and was privileged to spend time with both patients and doctors who helped me a great deal to understand the impact of this terrible condition.

Q: Being English, do you appreciate Monty Python?
John Cleese

PS: Hello John Cleese. I followed Monty Python from its first episode and indeed many of the catch phrases became a part of my family's life. It has been an ambition to work with your namesake or other Python castmembers, but so far, without luck.

Q: Which actress, past or present, would you most like to have co-star with you either on stage or film?
Geoffrey

PS: Hello Geoffrey. When I was younger, I was a big Doris Day fan. But, she wasn't interested in me. There are so many brilliant actresses working in movies today. It's hard to choose. But, if compelled to choose, I would probably put Meryl Streep at the top of my list.

Q: WHAT WAS IT LIKE PLAYING A GAY INTERIOR DECORATOR IN 'JEFFERY'?
Kered

PS: Good evening Kered. I appreciate the insistance of your question, but Sterling would never have yelled. Jeffrey was one of the grandest experiences of my career. I'm very proud of the film and of the friendships that I made during the making of it. It makes me happy to know that it continues to be very popular on video.

Q: Hello Patrick. does your production company, Flying Freehold, have a website?
Dan

PS: Yes, as a matter of fact, it has a splendid website currently under construction. The address is http://www.flying.com

Q: Are you planning on doing a film version of King Lear? It would be great if you did.
Michele

PS: Michele, What a timely question. My company is developing a project with Hallmark Entertainment to make an American western version of King Lear. currently called, "Boss Lear". Which we hope will star Gregory Peck in the title role.

Q: Do you remember the last word that was spoken in Star Trek TNG ??? By the way, you said it :)
lunastar

PS: Hello lunastar, how did I come to answer two of your questions? The last words spoken on TNG were..."Does this mean anything?" I will leave it up to you and the fans to figure it out.

Q: I just bought Rick Wakeman's "Return to th centre of the earth" CD. To my delight, I heard your voice. How did you become involved in this project?
Raulu

PS: Hello Raulu. Rick approached me to do the narration for Return to the Center of the Earth. And having been a fan I was delighted to participate. I think it's a terrific CD.

Q: Here in France, STTNG is playing the last 5 episodes. Just a word to say how much fun we had watching you and your staff on board the Enterprise, merci beaucoup pour cet immense plaisir que fut La Nouvelle Generation et pour votre superbe performance as capt. picard?
Paris(France)

PS: Bonjour Paris France. Come ce va. Je suis parle un petite francais. I apologize for my team's inadequate spelling of your beautiful language. And ours, come to that.

Q: Patrick is nice to see you chatting online. There is a rumor going around saying that you and Brent Spiner might be writing the next Trek Film. Is it true? and if it is, will it be the Last TNG franchise film?
Defiant382

PS: Hello Defiant 382. Well of course Brent and I have been throwing around ideas. Most of them involving us getting together with beautiful female aliens. But so far, nobody has taken us seriously. Watch this space.

Q: 1)Which movie, miniseries, tv show etc. did you like to do best? Favorite part in it? 2)What kind of music do you like best? Thanx RS~14 yrs. old
RStein7174

PS: RStein. I was always a big Cheers fan and sad to see it end but also as the world knows, but you may not...I am the #1 fan of Beavis and Butthead. Heh heh heh heh.

Q: Thank you very much, Patrick, for taking the time to chat with us today. We're looking forward to seeing your upcoming appearances wherever they might be!

PS: Thank you and thanks to everyone for your record-breaking number of questions. More, I am told, than Jeri Ryan, and can it get bigger than that? Now it's time for us all to go to dinner or bed or work, depending on where in this wonderful world you are. All the best.