Degree is simply magic (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Degree is simply magic
9:19am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Local news
Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis celebrates his honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University
An actor who made his name in the Harry Potter films has received an honorary degree from Leeds Metropolitan University.
Matthew Lewis, who played loveable northerner Neville Longbottom in the hit movies, was awarded his degree at a graduation ceremony this week.
Matthew, from Horsforth, who recently starred in the BBC One series The Syndicate, was awarded an honorary Masters of the University for his significant contribution to the arts and charity work.
He said: “It’s a great honour to share this day with all the graduating students. Leeds is my home and this means an awful lot to me, I’m proud of the city and it’s a real privilege to receive this award from Leeds Metropolitan University.”
Others receiving honorary degrees from the university include England rugby union head coach Stuart Lancaster, Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemmingway, Olympic torch designer Edward Barber, Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle and Mumtaz Khan Akbar, founder of the Mumtaz Food Group.
Matthew, who has appeared in various TV series since the age of five, went on to beat 700 others to win the part of Neville.
Filming Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at the age of 11, he was required to wear false buck teeth, shoes that were two sizes too big and plastic behind his ears to make them stick out.
Matthew, who still lives in Horsforth, helped to launch a new cancer screening suite at St James’s Hospital in 2010 and last year he joined in a 10k walk for Martin House Hospice. He is patron of the charity Bethany’s Smile which was founded by Horsforth schoolgirl Bethany Hare. Matthew is involved with other good causes including Yorkshire Kidney Research, Action for Children, and the Leeds Rhinos Rugby Foundation.
The actor recently completed filming a British heist movie, shot in and around Yorkshire, co-starring Timothy Spall, Vanessa Kirby and Iwan Rheon. He will make his West End debut in Our Boys at the Duchess Theatre alongside Laurence Fox.
