QB64 Tua Tagovailoa Being Told He Was "Not Built For The Moment" By Sir Patrick Stewart Deserves Another Watch Today (Along With All The Other Tributes To The 'Star Trek' Legend From Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Ricky Gervais & More)
It's been a few long days since we lost Sir Patrick Stewart but the tributes that have rolled in since his untimely passing have been nothing short of spectacular. Whether it's been throwback commercials reappearing like the one above, or seeing the outpouring of pure love from all his many co-stars, certainly been satisfying to see Jean-Luc get his just due.
Giphy Images.Clearly a guy that gave a genuine fuck about creating lasting friendships on all those Hollywood sets, along with having an eternally entertaining sense of humor about it all too. And as far as fading Tua into Bolivian goes, the behind the scenes story adds even more to it. Just too bad the Dolphins couldn't get Sir Patrick to be their QB1 after that. No fuckin' doubt he could've thrown that damn pigskin over those Miami mountains.
Honestly too many incredible tributes to list in here but I'll throw in some of my faves below. Right off the jump I'd highly recommend watching his guest role on Ricky Gervais' show 'Extras' where he played a supremely horny version of himself. One of the funniest celebrities cameos I've ever seen, completely going against everything you think about him.

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And I had never seen this clip before this weekend but apparently he was a big fan of 'Beavis & Butthead' too? KING.

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Although the most meaningful stuff has been seeing all the tributes from his 'Star Trek' & 'X-Men' co-stars. Obviously plenty more out there too with the massively elite career he had, but those were the people he worked with the longest. And it shows. Probably like losing a family member for them really. Certainly how I felt hearing the news. Captain Picard has gotten me through more bad moments than I care to remember. Plus who could possibly hate on the virtues of Professor Charles Xavier? Even if he's died like 30 times in all those movies. Either way, these eulogies are worth a read today. Valuable perspective on life. And a stark reminder how fleeting this whole experience is.

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What a heartbreaking week it has been. Sir Patrick Stewart was a friend, a colleague, and a magnificent actor. From the stage to the bridge of the Enterprise, he brought intelligence, grace, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he did. Captain Picard stood for the best of us, and so did the man who played him. I was filled with affection and admiration for him and his work. My heart goes out to Sunny and his family. He will be deeply missed.

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Patrick was one of those icons who we somehow all took for granted would always be with us. I grew up as a fan, and 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. 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.
“We want to believe in our leaders. Society suffers when we do not. If we fear retribution and feel there is no choice but to live in blind obedience to those in power, we lose our way. We lose belief in our institutions. Good leaders are those who urge us to step up and demand justice and truth. They spark our imaginations with their visions of a better future. They educate us. Without a belief in the basic goodness of our leaders, we lose faith in ourselves and our collective future. Our standards and principles take a dive. A leader is also great when they understand sacrifice and responsibility. This is why, I believe, people tune into ‘Star Trek’ or listen to Shakespeare, music or art of any kind. We are searching for hope and elevation from the daily numbness or despair. A desire to do good in the world works better with both kindness and focus — and it works better when we are surrounded by art and invention that lifts us. Jean-Luc Picard embodied that ideal. Patrick’s death means the loss of Picard, which for some hurts even more than the loss of Patrick Stewart. Jean-Luc gave us hope.”

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Inspiring to know Sir Patrick's work will live on forever and continue to entertain people into a better place. Thanks for the memories Jean-Luc. You made it so. And unlike Tua, you WERE built for the moment. Earl Grey all around. See you amongst the stars. RIP.

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PS: if you're a Star Trek TNG fan who somehow hasn't watched 'Picard' S3, do that ASAP. You can skip right past the first 2 abysmal seasons and just do that one. Brings back the whole cast together in a way that absolutely works without being too corny. And all the big cameos/reveals are absolutely earned. Huge salute to Terry Malalas for making that happen. No surprise he's gone on to absolutely crush it with 'VisionQuest' now too. Definitely made this passing slightly easier to swallow knowing we had this moment back on the Enterprise-D bridge. ENGAGE!
PPS: if you wanna see a whole different side of Sir Pat check him playing a wretched Nazi villain in 'Green Room'. Absolutely fucked movie but it is one helluva ride
PPPS: also recommend 'Blunt Talk' which was a 2 season show where he was a vulgar, drug addicted, self absorbed talk show host. Especially hilarious for any 'Star Trek' fans, nice cameo by Data in the first few minutes. Delicious subversion. What a talent.
