Patrick Stewart admitted that his “practically non-existent” relationship with his children caused him “significant grief” in the years leading up to his death.
The actor confessed during an interview in October 2023, “Not a day goes by that I’m not saddened by the memory of my children, by who they were and by the sense of responsibility that they became who they are because of me and my influence or lack of influence on them.” Interview with Irish Independent.
He further added, “I have always put my acting work before my family.”
Stewart – who died on Wednesday aged 86 – was survived by his son Daniel, 58, and daughter Sophie, 54, with ex-wife Sheila Falconer.
The beloved actor was also asked if he portrayed his most famous character, the wise and measured Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” as the father he would have wanted.
“I think it could have been even more than I wanted it to be,” he revealed. Stewart also confirmed that it was difficult to be “the kind of father he wanted to be”.
He added, “Given that I am now separated from my children, we no longer have a relationship, they have become very important.”
“I never thought this would happen, but both of my children are 50 years old, they are no longer children, they are adults. And my relationship with them is practically non-existent.”
This is a topic he has discussed in the past – in 2009 Interview with the IndependentStewart said he “could have done better as a parent when [his] The children were small.”
He further added, “I was just passionate about my work and everything else came second.” He added, “I’m now trying to get it right with my grandchildren whenever I can.”
At the time, the actor said, “It feels like my own children have forgiven me.”
Representatives for Sophie and Daniel were not immediately available to Page Six for comment.
The former couple married in 1966 and divorced in 1990. Stewart later married Wendy Neuse in 2000, with the pair ending the relationship after three years.
The “X-Men” star, who was married to Sunny Ozell in 2013, was placed in “loving care” at the time of his death, an announcement said.
Stewart died at his Los Angeles home after a brief battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, a social media statement said Thursday.
It reads, “He has been warmly embraced by family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayers, tears, laughter and the kind of intense emotions that only he can inspire in all of us after a lifetime of devotion.”
“We will always cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, a lasting reminder of his invincible grace.”
A few months before her death, Stewart made a painful confession about her career, telling TV Insider in July that, “As we get older, the roles become less and less.”
Nevertheless, he continued to “get interesting offers” and admitted that he liked “being challenged by new work”.
“I can’t imagine ever officially ‘retiring,'” he told the outlet. “I will always be an actor.”