John Cleese Receives an Honorary Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Doctor Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington seems to have a certain ring to it, proving that Nearly Headless Nick’s brain really is quite functional and brilliant (even if it is a bit removed). On June 28, John Cleese received an honorary doctorate of clinical psychology from the esteemed University of Bath.

Mr. Cleese is known among our Harry Potter-loving community as the man who played Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, or rather Nearly-Headless Nick. To the world at large, he’s known as the man who’s made us double over in laughter at his antics on Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Among the scholarly community, he’s known for his extensive studies in psychology.

He’s co-written two books on the psychology of exploring families and relationships: Families and How to Survive Them by Robin Skynner, John Cleese, & Bud Handelsman and Life and How to Survive It: An Entertaining and Mind-Stretching Search for What Really Matters in Life by A.C. Robin Synner, John Cleese, & Bud Handelsman.

The ceremony will be officiated by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. John Cleese has been honored with his new title along with Sir Bobby Charlton (renowned association football player who will receive a Doctor of Laws for his founding of the Find a Better Way charity).

Several other esteemed peers who will also be granted a doctorate degree from the University of Bath are Don Foster (Doctor of Laws), Lord Foster of Bath (Doctor of Laws), David Medlock (Doctor of Engineering), Dr. Randal Newcomb (Doctor of Laws), Stephen Kelly (Doctor of Business Administration), Elizabeth Bingham (Doctor of Laws), Kirit Patel (Doctor of Business Administration), Dr. Fiona Marshall (Doctor of Science), Professor Massimo Banzi (Doctor of Education), Dr. Michael Painting (Doctor of Music), Neelie Kroes (Doctor of Laws), Roger Whorrod (Doctor of Engineering), and Sue Whorrod (Doctor of Health).

Congratulations, Mr. Cleese!  From the Harry Potter community, we’d like to thank you for your wonderful work in the field of clinical psychology, and we hope that you’ll continue to pursue your passions and excel.