Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar has said receiving the Freedom of the City of London is “truly special”.
The Co Fermanagh actor, 67, is best known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in the hit BBC One drama and has been recognised for his contribution to drama and his support for emerging acting talent.
Born in Enniskillen, Dunbar graduated from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1983 and has gone on to star in a number of TV series and films, including Ridley, The Hollow Crown, and Emily.
Dunbar recently made his musical theatre debut and played Fred Graham/Petruchio in a 2024 production of Kiss Me, Kate at London’s Barbican Theatre.
Following the Freedom ceremony, he said: “Having arrived in the City of London to take up my course in Drama at Guildhall School in 1980, to then work with the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) at the Barbican and recently, in Kiss Me, Kate, and with Guildhall Alumni, to round off this journey nearly 50 years later with the Freedom of the City of London is truly special.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for making this singular honour happen.”
Dunbar’s other film and TV credits include Ashes to Ashes, Broken, and Silent Witness.
In 2018, he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA in the UK for Line of Duty.
He is also known for co-writing and starring in the 1991 film, Hear My Song, which follows the owner of a failing club as he seeks Irish singer Josef Locke to help him bring business to his club.
The comedy-drama starred Ned Beatty and was nominated for a Best Original Screenplay BAFTA award.
Dunbar was nominated for the Freedom of the City of London by the Chair of Guildhall, Emily Benn, as well as the former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman William Russell.
Benn said: “Adrian Dunbar is a Guildhall School great: one of the defining actors of his generation, thrilling us with unforgettable performances.
“All of us at Guildhall School are hugely proud of everything that Adrian has achieved since he graduated, and we are also very grateful for his ongoing support of the school and our students, helping the next generation of Guildhall talent to go on to thrive on stages and screens around the world.”
The award comes nearly two years after Dunbar received the Fellowship of Guildhall School – the institution’s highest accolade.
The Freedom of the City of London is believed to date back to 1237 and is granted by the City of London Corporation to celebrate outstanding contributions to London life.
Source: Press Association