Patrick Stewart, who has amassed nearly , says the social networking site has given his acting career a new boost since his days as "Star Trek" Capt. Jean-Luc Picard.

During an interview from the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, Stewart, who is relatively new to Twitter, told CNBC the micro-messaging service had become a big part of his life.

"An obsession might be a little strong a term, but it has now become one of the most significant aspects of my life, but most importantly of my career, because it has changed the public's perception of who Patrick Stewart is," he said.

Stewart said Twitter had allowed him to showcase his sense of humor and that in less than 18 months his presence on Twitter was "effecting the kind of interest people show in me professionally." Indeed.

Stewart, who is appearing in a Broadway production of "Waiting for Godot," was invited to the NYSE by Twitter CEO Dick Costolo for Thursday's IPO.

(Read more: Twitter sizzles in debut as traders stampede to IPO)

Stewart and Godot co-star Ian McKellen have been tweeting photos of themselves around New York City to promote their production.

—By Craig Giammona, Special to CNBC