Biography for Patrick Stewart (taken from IMDB.COM)

Height:  5' 10" (1.78 m)

Born Mirfield, Yorkshire, England. Member of various local drama groups from about age 12. Left school at 15 to work as junior reporter on local paper; quit when Editor told him he was spending too much time at the theatre and not enough working. Spent a year as furniture salesman, saving cash to attend drama school. Accepted by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1957. Professional debut1959 in Repertory in Lincoln; work at Manchester Library Theatre and a tour round the world with the Old Vic Company followed in the early 60s. Joined Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966, to begin 27-year association.

Father of 'Sophie Stewart' and Daniel Stewart

Awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [16 December 1996]

London Fringe Theatre Best Actor Award 1986, for role of George in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" at the Young Vic

New York Theater Critics Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performance 1993, for "A Christmas Carol" at the Broadhurst

Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment 1994, for "A Christmas Carol" at the Old Vic

Honorary Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company

US TV Guide - voted "Most Bodacious" male on TV 1993

Recipient of the Order of the British Empire (January 2001)

During the first season of Star Trek: TNG, he was so convinced that he was going to be fired from the series that he didn't unpack his bags for six weeks.

Began to lose his hair at the age of 19.

Found his beloved cat (which he named 'Bella') on the set of Star Trek.

Has a human rights scholarship named after him from Amnesty International.

Is best friends with his Star Trek cast mate, Brent Spiner, who was his best man at his wedding to Star Trek producer Wendy Neuss.

November 2003 - accepted the position of Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield. Become a full time UK resident again in 2004.

Referred to Commander Riker on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) as "Number One." When he guest-starred on an episode of "Simpsons, The" (1989), he played a character named Number One.