BBC News | ENTERTAINMENT | Honorary degree for Star Wars actor

Leading film star Ewan McGregor has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Ulster.

The 29-year-old star of Trainspotting and Star Wars was made a Doctor of Letters at a summer graduation ceremony in Belfast's Waterfront Hall on Thursday.

Both Ewan and his father Jim wore their traditional tartan kilts.

The Scottish actor said: "I only achieved 'O' levels and I then left to work in the theatre at 16.

"I always knew what I wanted to do - I wanted to be an actor - and as soon as I was able to get out and learn about that, I did."

He said he was delighted at the honorary degree.

James Joyce

"It is a great honour. I can't quite believe it, being Doctor McGregor. "It's fantastic."

Ewan McGregor produced and performed in a film on the life of Nora Barnacle, wife of Irish author James Joyce.

He has also played a drug addict in Trainspotting and a space age warrior in Star Wars.

Ewan McGregor and his father wore kilts

Fans of the Star Wars films are eagerly awaiting the next movie, which Ewan has already filmed, but which will not be released until May.

As he posed with other graduates, he acknowledged the huge popularity of his role as Obi- Wan Kenobi.

So even though he has no discernable link with Belfast, the actor has been honoured by the university for his services to drama and film.

He said that from now on, all his friends will be forced to call him Doctor McGregor.


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