Glen's a Dr now but he's not jumping on Bond wagon

Published on 07/07/2004 11:59

SCOTS actor Iain Glen has been awarded an honorary degree by his former university - and took the opportunity to play down rumours he will be the next James Bond.

The 43-year-old Edinburgh-born actor, whose film credits include Tomb Raider and Gorillas in the Mist, received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Aberdeen.

Glen, who has received critical acclaim for his work in theatre, cinema and television, said he was "really, really chuffed to be honoured". The actor, who studied English at the University of Aberdeen before attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, said yesterday: "I have fantastic memories of this place.

"I’ve never been academically minded, but what university gave me was the desire to act. I’d never thought about it before I came here.

"Aberdeen gave me two fantastic years with the drama society working on and writing plays."

Glen, whose stage career has included performing in such plays as Henry V and Macbeth, also included a leading role in David Hare’s The Blue Room with Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman.

He also said he was taking the recurring rumours that he is to be the next James Bond "with a pinch of salt".

He said: "I’m on a list that keeps getting regurgitated. It’s usually me, Jude Law and Clive Owen, but I think Pierce Brosnan is hanging on to it. You need to make sure you don’t jump on to a band wagon that’s already lost its wheels."