Actor Jamie Dornan receives honorary doctorate from Queens University Belfast
He's among a list of recipients being awarded for 'putting Northern Ireland on the Map'
Last updated 15th Dec 2023
Actor Jamie Dornan was among honorary doctorates recognised "for putting Northern Ireland on the map" at Queen's University Belfast on Monday.
Dornan was one of nine honorary graduates recognised at QUB for distinction in the fields of business, education, medicine, arts, sport, public service and the local community.
The two-time Irish Film and Television Award winner and Bafta and Golden Globe nominee said it was a "huge honour" to be awarded a doctorate for distinction in the arts.
Dornan said, "My dad went to this university, there are pictures in my house of my dad wearing a similar robe."
"I'm very proud to be involved in this great university."
Queen's alumni and former Aston Martin F1 strategist Bernadette Collins said she was honoured to be awarded an honorary doctorate in sport.
The Sky Sports pundit said she hoped it might inspire other mechanical and aerospace engineering students to see "exciting possibilities" ahead.
Former SDLP leader Mark Durkan and Belfast-born conflict resolution specialist Quintin Olvier, who developed the Yes Campaign for the Good Friday Agreement referendum, were selected to be honoured with doctorates for distinction in public service.
Also recognised for his contribution to the peace process, former Sinn Fein general-secretary Tom Hartley was picked for a doctorate for services to the local community.
QUB selected Ann McGregor to receive a Doctor of Science in Economics for services to business and commerce after serving as chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry for 15 years.
Also recognised for services to the arts was founder and director of Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) Marie Lacey.
She said, "I am humbled beyond measure to receive an honorary doctorate from Queens University. Music has the power to transcend division and my life has been dedicated to serving the community through music."
In recognition of his contribution to improving healthcare for public service, Lord Kakkar was chosen for a doctorate of medical science for distinction in medicine.
Garrett Curran was selected for a doctorate of science in economics for services to business, commerce and education following a 30-year career across multiple sectors in commerce including leadership roles at large blue-chip enterprises and support for smaller high growth companies.
QUB said Mr Curran is a passionate advocate for quality and inclusive education, championing a number of charities working towards this cause.
He is a board member of several charities, including the Queen's University Foundation Board.
Mr Curran said said: "A career path starts long before the first day in the office, education plays a critical role and making education more accessible for young people from across Northern Ireland is an area I'm hugely committed to."
Queen's University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said: "We are delighted to award honorary degrees to this group of hugely successful and inspirational group of individuals today.
"They have all played a significant role in putting Belfast and Northern Ireland on the map and we are honoured that they will be part of the Queen's community."
Now read on to find out interesting facts you never knew about Jamie Dornan:
1) Jamie used to date Keira Knightley
The pair dated from 2003 to 2005, after meeting on an Asprey photoshoot. This was Jamie's first high-profile relationship and his first real taste of fame and the paparazzi.
2) Jamie was in a folk band
We all know he can sing (and if you didn't, where have you been?!) but a folk band... Wow! They were called Sons of Jim and enjoyed some great successes during their brief stint together, even performing as a support act for KT Tunstall. The band split in 2008.
3) Growing up, Jamie originally wanted to be a professional rugby player
After school Dornan played for Belfast Harlequins. He was so invested in the sport that he dropped out of university to initially focus on playing more rugby and had hoped to turn pro. It's not been officially confirmed why he didn't make it, perhaps the big screen was calling him to London instead!
4) Jamie's movie debut was in Marie Antoinette
In 2006, Jamie appeared in the Sofia Copolla film Marie Antoinette alongside Kirsten Dunst. Dornan played the role of Count Axel von Fersen, the French man that Antoinette has a steamy affair with.
5) Jamie had just four weeks to get into shape for the first Fifty Shades movie
Now this is impressive, especially when you're nude from head to toe! Fortunately, he was already in decent shape prior to casting, so it really didn't take him long to prepare for the part.
6) Jamie wasn't the first actor to sign on as lead for Christian Grey
Charlie Hunnam was originally picked to play the role, but announced just a month after he was chosen that his Sons of Anarchy schedule clashed too much. That's where Jamie came in to save the day.
7) Jamie is a family man
He's been with his wife, Amelia Warner, since 2010 when they met through mutual friends at a Hollywood party. And the two lovebirds also have three daughters - Dulcie, Elva and Alberta Dornan.
8) Jamie first started out modelling underwear
Jamie strutted his stuff for some pretty high fashion brands. He started off with Calvin Klein, then continued to model for Armani and Dior.
9) Jamie used to live with Eddie Redmayne
We do love a Hollywood bromance 🤣 Eddie and Jamie used to share an apartment together before Dornan met his wife.
10) Jamie doesn't like himself without a beard
It's his signature look, so don't ask him to shave! In the Fifty Shades series, Jamie was forced to play the clean-shaven Christian Grey who always looks immaculate in perfectly tailored suits. In real life, Dornan hates being without a beard. He says being without one actually makes him feel uncomfortable.
11) Jamie has a bizarre walk
It's one of the first things you learn as a baby, how to take your first steps. But it seems like Jamie struggling with that one. Take a look at the hilarious clip!
12) He's BFFs with Cillian Murphy
Although it would appear that they only met on the set of their 2016 war epic Anthropoid, Cillian and Jamie became fast friends, having admired each other's work for years - and there's plenty of video evidence of the pair ribbing each other in interviews! Jamie once said of Cillian: "It's a tiny industry. Actors all know each other to a point where you always know someone who knows the other person who worked with them... I'd known plenty of people who'd worked with Cillian and he was one of those people I'd only heard good things about."
13) He has an honorary doctorate
Jamie was awarded an honorary doctorate from Queens University Belfast in December 2023 for "putting Northern Ireland on the map". Jamie described the award for distinction in the arts as a "huge honour", adding: "My dad went to this university, there are pictures in my house of my dad wearing a similar robe. I'm very proud to be involved in this great university."
14) Jamie apparently thought he was having a heart attack on holiday
Well, that'd ruin your trip! Apparently, on a lads' holiday in Summer 2023 in Portugal, Jamie began to experience some pretty terrifying symptoms and was taken to hospital - and, according to his friend Gordon Smart, who was also on the trip and had the same symptoms, the reaction was put down to contact with a toxic caterpillar. Gordon explained on a podcast: "It turns out that there are caterpillars on golf courses in the south of Portugal that have been killing people's dogs and giving men in their 40s heart attacks. It turns out we'd brushed up against hairy processionary caterpillars and have been very lucky to come out of that one alive."
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