22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander and The Dark Knight actor Colin McFarlane receives 'outstanding' honour
The Hollywood and Outlander star was presented with a special accolade
Colin McFarlane, known for his roles in Outlander and The Dark Knight, has been honoured with an honorary degree from Loughborough University, reports the Express.
The 63 year old British actor, writer, and producer, who portrayed the character of Gillian B. Loeb in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy, was recognised for his "outstanding contributions to the arts and his role in championing men's health issues" by the institution where he completed his studies.
A graduate of Loughborough University, McFarlane earned a BA in Drama back in 1983 and went on to play the butler Ulysses in seasons four and five of Outlander opposite Maria Doyle Kennedy. The actor also later learnt he had an incredible connection to the Battle of Culloden.
His versatile acting career includes roles alongside Liam Neeson in The Commuter, as well as appearances in Doctor Who, Father Brown, The Larkins, and more.
In addition to his screen work, McFarlane is also celebrated for his voice acting, contributing to children's favourites such as Thomas & Friends, Peppa Pig, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam, Hey Duggee, and even the Final Fantasy video game series.
On the theatrical front, he has received critical praise for his stage work, including performances with Sir Lenny Henry in Fences, Sir Harold Pinter's The Collection, and starring roles opposite Corin Redgrave and later Steven Berkoff in Coriolanus.
He is set to make his next appearance in the Doctor Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, reprising his role as General Austin Pierce from Torchwood and Doctor Who.
The upcoming series centres around the notorious Doctor Who villain, the Sea Devils, and features a star-studded cast including Russell Tovey, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jemma Redgrave, Shanice Archer and Ruth Madeley.
In recent times, McFarlane has emerged as an advocate, speaking openly about prostate cancer following his own diagnosis in 2023, and encouraging others to undergo potentially life-saving checks.
Moreover, he is the co-founder of the charity Justice4Windrush, which campaigns for compensation for the victims of the Windrush scandal and legal recognition of their right, and that of their descendants, to reside in the UK.
Upon receiving the doctorate, McFarlane remarked: "I feel very lucky to be able to come back and be recognised for the work I've done. It's a wonderful full circle moment."
This is where it all began, where the dreams began.
"My younger self wouldn't believe that one day I'd be in a Batman movie, work with Liam Neeson, become the voice of an iconic game show, produce, direct and write, be offered lovely roles in Hollywood, and make my parents proud."
And the bonus is that this has given me a platform to help other people. That wasn't something that was in my dream, but dreams evolve.
So, yes, it's very special to come back to where it all began. "He also delivered an inspiring address to the graduating students: "You're at the beginning of your journeys, and we need your generation to step up and make a difference.
"Nelson Mandela said 'education is the most powerful tool we have to change the world'. That's your superpower. Use it, and you can change the world."
