Yesterday, we all learned of the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart. The beloved actor was 86 and passed after what his family called a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. These conditions had not previously been disclosed to the public. The news of Stewart’s passing is still sending shockwaves around the world, and I have a theory as to why.

Sir Partick Stewart was a role model for so many. And like the best role models he didn’t set out to be one. It seemed to happen almost by accident. When you take a talent like Patrick Stewart, who I think legit wanted to simply be a good actor, and layer that on top of what I think was a fundamentally good person? Good things happen.

There’s a strange and wonderful thing with this guy. He could certainly use his presence and his voice in a commanding manner. The stage work and Shakespear plays show that in spades. And that is what made his comedic acting so good. That crazy juxtaposition. Stewart had range and succeeded in all of it. If he was afraid? We never saw it. We were just treated to the fantastic end product.

In my opinion, that’s the way to go about things. Don’t tell me about things, show me. Actions speak louder than words. And if you are going to do something? Try to do it well. Which brings me to Stewart’s role in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Do I think he loved Star Trek when he auditioned for the role of Captain Picard? Nah. I think he was an actor who needed a gig. However, when he got the job, he excelled. Stewart was the guy who took that role to the next level.

And there’s another accidental role model: Captain Picard. That character was smart, inquisitive, not quick to anger but if the situation called for violence? He’s your guy. Picard was a well written and well-rounded character and Patrick Stewart made it all wonderful to watch. Do I think that he ended up as a fan of Star Trek? You bet.

In all my years in Hollywood, I never heard an unkind word about Patrick Stewart. He didn’t set out to be Captain Picard or Professor X, who are both quality role models, he was simply good person who wanted to do good work and be good person. And isn’t that what we’re all aiming for? Rest in Peace, Sir Patrick Stewart. You will be missed. And admired.

Here’s some more on the life and remembrances of Patrick Stewart.

Put that gravitas onto something absurd? You have the potential to do something very silly and very funny. Stewart could do it all.