A compact performer with an urbane, patriarchal presence, Patrick Stewart spent many years in repertory theater before becoming a star player with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Ironically, the actor, who is so well versed in the works of the Bard, found his greatest fame bringing a Shakespearean grace to the role of Jean-Luc Picard, the serene, cerebral yet majestic captain of the Enterprise on the hit "sequel" series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-94). Critics and fans alike were at once enthused and skeptical about the prospect of Gene Roddenberry revamping his cult
