Mark Gatiss Honored with Honorary Doctorate

Actor Mark Gatiss characterized the conferral of an honorary doctorate upon him as “a humbling and kind gesture”. The University of Leeds presented the Sherlock co-creator with this honor, acknowledging his “significant contributions to culture and performance”. Gatiss pursued Theatre Arts at Bretton Hall College, now integrated into the University, where he encountered his future League of Gentlemen co-stars, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith. Addressing the attendees at the Friday ceremony, he remarked: “It means an awful lot to me to come back and receive a Doctorate. There is something different about the North and it is worth celebrating. It is a mindset, a unique sensibility.” Prof Shearer West, who serves as the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, commended the actor’s “exceptional contribution to arts and culture,” referring to him as “a key advocate for the arts and the North of England.” She added: “We are honoured that Mark is now a part of our esteemed honorary graduate community.” Gatiss, a native of Sedgefield, County Durham, offered counsel to the graduates present at the occasion, urging them “to persist, to keep going even when things don’t work out”. He further commented: “When I was growing up, I was obsessed with TV. Having had that opportunity to study was crucial for me and I am passionate about creating opportunity for others.” Previously, Gatiss, alongside Pemberton, Shearsmith, and Jeremy Dyson, received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Huddersfield in 2003.