**"The Making of a Star: How Jonathan Frakes Learned to Admire Patrick Stewart’s Struggle with Shakespearean Language"
As a seasoned actor and director, Jonathan Frakes has had the privilege of working with some of the most talented thespians in the industry. But few have left a lasting impact on him like his long-time costar, Patrick Stewart, who played the iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Frakes, who played Commander William Riker on the same show, has always been in awe of Stewart’s remarkable command of Shakespearean language. However, he never fully comprehended the challenges that came with mastering the Bard’s complex syntax and vocabulary. That was until he had a breakthrough moment that transformed his perspective and admiration for Stewart’s work.
"I used to think, ‘Oh, Patrick’s just a genius, he can speak Shakespeare like it’s no big deal,’" Frakes recalls with a chuckle. "But one day, we were rehearsing a script and I realized, ‘Wait a minute, he’s working so hard, battling through all that iambic pentameter, and his delivery is like butter.’ That’s when the light bulb went off – this guy is not just speaking Shakespeare, he’s wrestling with it."
Frakes’ newfound understanding of Stewart’s struggle with Shakespearean language was a turning point in their professional and personal relationship. It led to a deeper appreciation for Stewart’s dedication to his craft and a sense of camaraderie that still endures today.
"Working with Patrick was a masterclass in patience, humility, and perseverance," Frakes reflects. "He would often come to set, already having practiced his lines cold, and still he would ask for advice or clarification. He’s a true pro, always striving to improve."
Frakes’ newfound respect for Stewart’s Shakespearean struggles extended beyond the sets of Star Trek to his own approaches to acting. "I realized that I, too, had struggles with my roles, and that it’s okay to admit them. It’s empowering to know that even the most talented actors face challenges, and it humanizes them. I think it’s beautiful to see Patrick not only master the language but also wear it so effortlessly."
Their on-screen bond, which Frakes credits to their mutual respect and understanding, ultimately paid dividends in the long-running success of Star Trek: The Next Generation. "Patrick and I developed a shorthand, where we’d throw lines and punchlines back and forth, and it became second nature. It was like we were an old married couple – we knew exactly what the other would say next."
The admiration and admiration between Frakes and Stewart have remained strong, transcending their roles as Starfleet officers. In recent years, Frakes has had the opportunity to direct Stewart in various stage productions, including a production of ‘The Tempest’ at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. "It’s been an incredible privilege to work with him in a different capacity, exploring the text in a different way. He’s still an inspiration, and I learn so much from him."
In the end, Frakes’ journey to admire Patrick Stewart’s struggle with Shakespearean language has become a poignant reminder that success is often built upon the bedrock of perseverance, dedication, and vulnerability. It’s a lesson he continues to carry with him, both on and off the sets of the many projects he’s been a part of, including his current role as a director and executive producer in the Star Trek franchise.
