Actor Jim Broadbent Receives Honorary Degree from University

by · Published · Updated

Actor Jim Broadbent, who played our beloved Professor Slughorn in the Harry Potter films, received an honorary degree from Bishop Grosseteste University on July 20. He graduated along with more than 1,100 students and addressed the students during the ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral.

Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, had this to say about Broadbent’s career in a recent interview with the Lincolnshire Echo:

Jim is a man who remains proud of his Lincolnshire roots, and it will give us all great pleasure to recognize and applaud his success. His presence at our awards ceremony will also, I hope, inspire the many students on our BA (Hons) Drama in the Community and Applied Drama courses who will be graduating this week. They will no doubt be hoping that some of his success will perhaps rub off on them!

 

Jim Broadbent at Bishop Grosseteste University. Photographed by Emily Bennett.

 

Broadbent was born in Holton-cum-Beckering within the Lincolnshire District. He continues to have close relations with his hometown. Broadbent’s father had been involved with the conversion of the town Methodist Church into the new town theater, now called Broadbent Theatre. Broadbent currently acts as the Honorary President of the theater’s cast players, the Lindsey Rural Players.

Broadbent has had a successful acting career over the last 40 years. He has been known to play both TV roles and movie roles, winning a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor in 2001 for his role as Harold Zilder in Moulin Rouge! and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 2002 for his role as Desmond Morton in The Gathering Storm. He also has been nominated for several awards, including a Satellite Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, an Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award, all for Best Supporting Actor.

Broadbent spoke these wise words to the graduating students:

Try everything, spread your net wide and get as many experiences as possible. While you’re young is the time to do it, so make the most of it!

Read more about Broadbent’s student address here.

Have you seen Broadbent in other films? Or perhaps you recall listening to his delightful audiobook story telling of Winnie the Pooh growing up? If so, comment below!