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Spotlight · Arts, culture and heritage
Brian Cox CBE
Actor. Dundee-born star of stage and screen, honoured by Abertay University in 2025 for more than 50 years in the performing arts.
Key facts
- Began his acting career at Dundee Repertory Theatre in 1961, aged 14
- Founding member of the Royal Lyceum Theatre company, Edinburgh, in 1965
- Emmy Award for Nuremberg and Golden Globe for Succession
- Rector of the University of Dundee from 2010
Their story
Celebrating Dr Brian Cox CBE
Our first Honorary Doctor this week from Abertay University is Brian Cox CBE, one of Scotland's most celebrated actors.
In July 2025 Abertay awarded Brian an Honorary Doctor of Arts at its summer graduation in Dundee's Caird Hall. The honour recognised his contribution to the performing arts over more than 50 years.
From Dundee Rep to the world stage Brian was born in Dundee in 1946. He began acting at Dundee Repertory Theatre in 1961, aged 14, and went on to train at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He was a founding member of the Royal Lyceum Theatre company in Edinburgh, appearing in its first production in 1965. His stage career includes the title roles in King Lear and Titus Andronicus, and two Olivier Awards.
Film and television His Hollywood breakthrough came as Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter in 1986. Braveheart, The Bourne Identity, X2 and Troy followed. He won an Emmy for Nuremberg and a Golden Globe for his performance as Logan Roy in Succession. In Dundee he is also loved as the comedy character Bob Servant.
A continuing connection to Scotland Brian was elected Rector of the University of Dundee in 2010 and re-elected in 2013. He was appointed CBE in the 2003 New Year Honours. In 2025 he played Adam Smith in James Graham's Make It Happen, his first Scottish stage role in around a decade.
Why this matters Brian's honour from Abertay recognises a lifetime of creative work that began a short walk from the University's campus. He shows what an Honorary Doctor brings to a University: distinction, generosity and a lasting connection to place.