FILM star and actor Michael Sheen has been awarded an honorary degree by Swansea University.
The Port Talbot-born actor received the award whilst attending the US launch of the Richard Burton Diaries in New York on Tuesday, October 16.
Swansea University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Richard B Davies presented the award to the actor who has starred in such acclaimed films as Frost Nixon, Damned United, The Queen and Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.
Prof Davies said: “These awards are conferred on individuals in recognition of outstanding achievement and contribution to the university or region. Michael Sheen has achieved extraordinary success internationally. But he has never forgotten his roots and has found many ways to give something back to our part of the world.”
Passion
Over Easter 2011, Sheen provided a huge boost to his home town by acting out the part of Jesus in The Passion; a theatrical project that took place in Port Talbot over three days and with the help of 1,000 local people.
On receiving the award, Sheen said: “I’m thrilled to receive this honorary degree, particularly as it comes from Swansea, the city that I grew up closest to. I am proud to be still involved with so many groups and organisations in the West Glamorgan area and so to be honoured by Swansea University in this way is especially meaningful to me.”
Just across the bay from Swansea University, Port Talbot is renowned for producing celebrated actors, including Sir Anthony Hopkins and Richard Burton.
The Richard Burton Diaries were donated to Swansea University by his wife Sally. They form part of the Richard Burton Collection in the Richard Burton Archives in the University’s Library.
