‘All the shiny things that you’ve heard are standing on the foundations of where I grew up’
Benedict Wong was awarded with a Honorary Doctorate at the University of Salford this week(Image: Nick Harrison)
Hollywood actor Benedict Wong has been handed a prestigious Honorary Doctorate at the University of Salford.
The Eccles-born actor has appeared in movies like Sunshine and The Martian but he is perhaps best recognised for his role of Wong in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which has seen him appear in the likes of Doctor Strange, Shang-Chi, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Avengers: Endgame.
On Monday (July 13), the 55-year-old was awarded with an honorary Doctorate of Arts during a graduation ceremony at the university is in recognition of his achievements and efforts as an actor of international standing, a powerful creative voice and a true success story of the city of Salford.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of his achievements and efforts as an actor of international standing. The former Performing Arts student at Salford City College has also performed at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre under the guidance of Academy Award-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance, and also appeared as Zhang Lin in the five-time Olivier Award-winning play Chimerica.
The actor said of the honour: “It’s been over 30 years in this wonderful profession, and to be recognised by The University of Salford and in the City of Salford’s centenary year makes this homecoming even sweeter.”
Benedict posed for photos after collecting the Doctorate(Image: COPYRIGHT NICK HARRISON)
During the graduation ceremony at The Lowry theatre, Wong took to the stage to accept the Doctorate and to provide some inspirational words of wisdom to the many graduates in attendance.
“It’s been a 34-year overnight success and all the shiny things that you’ve heard are standing on the foundations of where I grew up,” he said of his emergence as an actor. He added: “I didn’t know I was going to be an actor, it was something I said quietly.”
Offering some advice, he told the crowd: “Never lose the sense of belief, you just need a kernel of it. That’s all you need.” He added: “Do something every day that leads you to your dream until it’s no longer a dream, until it’s realised.”
In his speech, Wong also recalled ‘lock-in’s at the Black Horse’ pub, his time at the university’s Adelphi theatre, and his shifts ‘sweeping the floors and collecting the tickets’ at the Green Room theatre, formerly on Whitworth Street West.
Benedict Wong (right) in Avengers: Infinity War alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr, and Mark Ruffalo(Image: AP)
He also gave a mention to the Arts Emergency fund, which are helping young actors ‘get a good foot in the door’, as well as thanking his friends, family and people he had come across throughout his career – including those at the Library Theatre, located in the basement of Manchester Central Library until 2010, where he’d ‘be sneaked in to watch a show’.
“Manchester was always the foundation of my learning, really,” he explained on stage. “Sadly, I couldn’t get much work in Manchester so I had to go to London.”
In one last piece of sage advice, he told the crowd: “Take those things that resonate with you, that’s what I did in acting. You need grit, a lot of perseverance, dedication, hard-work, and a lot of sacrifice. I wish you all the best.” He added: “So, to all the students, I say on your marks, get set, go.”
Benedict said Manchester was ‘always the foundation of my learning'(Image: COPYRIGHT NICK HARRISON)
Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, said: “Benedict Wong has built a remarkable career across stage and screen with talent, integrity and quiet determination. From Shakespeare to science fiction, intimate character drama to global cinema, Benedict provides a strong sense of truth on every performance and his work is grounded in craft, humour and humanity.“He has represented Salford on the world stage and shown that local roots can support global reach. We are proud to recognise him today as an actor of international standing, a powerful creative voice and a true Salfordian success story.”