Roger Rees, Doctor of Fine Arts
The Life and Adventures of Roger Rees would make quite a melodrama of its own. Curtains part on the birth of our young swain in Wales, followed by childhood scenes there and in South London. He manages to eke a living out of painting theatre sets until one day he’s talked into appearing on stage. By Act Two, the dashing, young hero, now a classically trained actor, rises through the ranks of the Royal Shakespeare Company, eventually landing such roles as Hamlet and Nicholas Nickleby — a triumph in the West End, on Broadway, and on television. More than fifty films follow. With the stature of his career as a serious actor secure, he allows himself the delicious fun of such roles as Robin Colcord in Cheers and the British Ambassador Lord John Marbury in West Wing. Master of both art and entertainment, things could hardly end more gloriously for our protagonist. But wait. The curtain opens yet again for an unexpected Act Three, in which he takes up the wholly new challenge of directing the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Those of us with front-row seats for this drama stand eager to see where his talent, wisdom, and utterly winning charm will transport us next.
I hereby declare you recipient of the honorary degree Doctor of Fine Arts, entitled to all the rights, honors, and privileges appertaining thereto.
June 4, 2006