“We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend.”
Undoubtedly, Sir Patrick Stewart’s acting talents allowed him to compile a prolific resume that reaches far beyond the Star Trek franchise. Although, the late actor will always be synonymous with Trekkies and Trekkers as the beloved captain of the USS Enterprise-D and E.
So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that celebrity Star Trek fan and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane was among the many remembering him on social media following the news of Stewart’s death. MacFarlane shared a photo of Sir Stewart and wrote a heartfelt tribute to his friend and colleague via his official Instagram account, which Star Trek fans can read in its entirety below.
“Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us,” MacFarlne wrote. “I grew up as a fan, and [I] was later gifted the privilege of becoming a colleague and friend, working with him for many years on American Dad!, Family Guy, and Ted. He was that rare actor who could take any bit of dialogue and elevate it, making a good writer sound great, and a great writer sound masterful.”
MacFarlane’s social media post continues as follows:
“He was also as humble as they come. I remember exchanging emails with him a number of years ago when he was beginning day 1 of a new film. He commented to me that he always walked onto a new set feeling like the biggest novice there. My stunned reaction was the same as anyone’s would be. I said, ‘Patrick, if you feel that way, the rest of us are screwed.’ We have lost a legendary actor today, and for many of us, a good friend. He will be deeply missed by the entire planet.”
For those Star Trek fans who haven’t watched Family Guy, I can’t stress enough how they should immediately go and watch FG’s season 7 episode “Not All Dogs Go to Heaven,” especially if they love The Next Generation. Stewie (MacFarlane) visits a Trek convention and is so disappointed in the stupid questions the fans are asking that he builds a transporter and abducts the core TNG characters.
I don’t want to spoil the episode too much for anyone, so I’ll just say this: Stewart is HILARIOUS as he voices himself during the Family Guy episode, especially when his animated character calls out Michael Dorn for complaining about Patrick “hogging the limelight” on The Next Generation.
“Oh, f**k you, Michael! 15 years later — you’ve still got that attitude,” Stewart replies.
I can’t recommend Family Guy’s incredible season 7 homage to The Next Generation enough, and Star Trek fans have Stewart’s real-life friend, Seth MacFarlane, to thank for such a memorable animated episode. In fact, as far as I’m concerned, CBS Studios should reach out to MacFarlane and talk shop about him creating his own animated Trek series, since there aren’t any shows in production.
Even better, what if MacFarlane beamed aboard and helped write a brand-new Lower Decks show, or even a movie, in collaboration with creator Mike McMahan? For more Star Trek content and to remember Sir Patrick Stewart, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
And Family Guy’s “Not All Dogs Go to Heaven” episode is currently available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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