Liverpool actor David Morrissey was awarded an honorary doctorate by Edge Hill University.
The Walking Dead star was recognised for his ongoing contribution to UK drama, television and film.
David, a BAFTA-nominated actor, has starred in Being Human, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and The Deal, as well as playing The Governor in American horror drama TV series The Walking Dead.
Accepting the honour from Edge Hill University ’s Chancellor Professor Tanya Byron, he told arts and science graduates: “It’s a great honour to be here and share your day with you.
“I was shown around this fantastic university and have been so impressed by everything.
“I can’t believe you’ve had the opportunity to spend time here.
“The facilities are just amazing and I was bowled over by these professional studios that are just like the ones I was desperate to get into when I was starting out.”
He added: “Being from Liverpool, when I do come back to the North West, the thing I always think about is family.
“When I told my mum and dad I wanted to be an actor, it was like telling them I wanted to be an astronaut because they couldn’t help me.
“They knew nobody in that profession at all but they encouraged me.”
The star, who started his career at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre, spoke about the Creative Arts School Trust, which he set up to drama workshops with children around the world.
He said: “In the workshops I’ve done with students in the UK, South Africa and in Lebanon I’ve seen children who feel they have no voice, feel that nobody listens to them.
“After the workshops you suddenly see them opening up and their teachers notice how much more engaged they are in every aspect of their education.
“Drama can enlighten people in every aspect because it makes you inquisitive, makes you ask questions and that’s a great thing.”
Edge Hill University will award ten honorary degrees during its 2016 summer graduation ceremonies.
Each of the recipients - leaders in a range of areas spanning film, law, politics, music, education, and philanthropy - will be recognised for their contributions to society that resonate with the university’s values, teaching and research.
