Homegrown veteran actor Benedict Wong given honorary degree by University of Salford

Born in Eccles and raised in Salford, Benedict has been an actor on stage and screen for over the last three decades and is most well-known for his appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the character Wong, endearing himself to a global audience.

The honorary degree is in recognition of his achievements and efforts as an actor of international standing, a powerful creative voice and a true success story of the city of Salford.

Wong’s journey into acting began as a Performing Arts student at Salford City College. His acting foundations began on the stage, performing at Shakespeare’s Globe under the guidance of Academy Award-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance and appearing in lead roles as Ai WeiWei in #Aiww: The Arrest of Ai WeiWei, and as Zhang Lin in the five-time Olivier Award-winning play Chimerica.

His crossover from stage to screen gathered even wider attention with an on-screen breakthrough role in Stephen Frears’ Dirty Pretty Things, earning him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the British Independent Film Awards. For Edson Oda’s directorial debut Nine Days, Benedict received a Film Independent Spirit Award nomination for his role.

He has continued to star in memorable film roles working with emerging and acclaimed directors, from Zach Cregger (Weapons), Danny Boyle (Sunshine) to Sir Ridley Scott (The Martian).

Flipping from comedic to dramatic TV roles, from Errol in Sean Lock’s 15 Storeys High to Da Shi in 3 Body Problem and Kublai Khan in Netflix’s Marco Polo, he would then journey from the Mongol Empire to the Marvel Cinematic Universe when Wong played Wong through Doctor Strange, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, She-Hulk, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Avengers: Infinity War to Avengers: Endgame, cementing Benedict’s status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile, hard-working actors.

In recognition of his on-screen achievements, Benedict was officially inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2019.

Benedict Wong said: “It’s been over thirty years in this wonderful profession, and to be recognised by The University of Salford and in the City of Salford’s centenary year makes this homecoming even sweeter.”

Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, said: “Benedict Wong has built a remarkable career across stage and screen with talent, integrity and quiet determination.

“From Shakespeare to science fiction, intimate character drama to global cinema, Benedict provides a strong sense of truth on every performance and his work is grounded in craft, humour and humanity.

“He has represented Salford on the world stage and shown that local roots can support global reach. We are proud to recognise him today as an actor of international standing, a powerful creative voice and a true Salfordian success story.”