Patrick Stewart is undoubtedly best known for his role as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and subsequent spin-offs, but if Ian McKellen had had his way that might never have been the case.
The Lord of the Rings actor has said he advised Stewart - his long-time friend - against taking the role when it was originally offered to him, claiming that to take the job would be a risk.
Speaking to The Guardian, McKellen said, "He’s long forgiven me my advice not to risk a solid career on the British stage by falling for an uncertain future in Star Trek.
"How he got that job is a prime example of how luck can be a lady and it will be a riveting chapter in the memoir he must write.”
In total, Stewart spent seven seasons as the captain of the USS Enterprise in addition to four feature films - and he has recently returned to the role for Amazon Prime series Star Trek: Picard.
And he has previously spoken about the advice given by McKellen. During a conversation on This Morning earlier this year he said, "He was in Los Angeles at the time and I told him I had been offered this role in this series and he seriously warned me not to take the job because it wouldn’t be good for my career.
“That I was doing quite well in London in the theatre and I shouldn’t abandon myself to this. He has since admitted that he might have been wrong."
Star Trek: Picard is available on Amazon Prime. Find out what else in on with our TV Guide
