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Knighthoods for actors, do you agree with them?

67 replies

SecondhandRose · 06/07/2005 07:39

Why do actors need to be knighted when all they are doing is earning a fortune to read a script? They may be our favourite actors like David Jason but is a knighthood really earned?

People like Elton John and Paul McCartney have the most amazing talents and have absolutely earned their knighthoods but I really do wonder about normal actors.

Any thoughts?

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almostanangel · 06/07/2005 07:46

yes david jason does deserve it..but im peed of ronnie barker hasnt got one!!and they are both amazing actors as both of them have played many roles and you never think of the other roles when watching them

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franke · 06/07/2005 07:49

Maybe Ronnie Barker declined.... Quite a few do.

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Nightynight · 06/07/2005 07:52

I dont agree with knighthoods for anybody.

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franke · 06/07/2005 07:52

Oh, and I think the whole honours system is a bit School Prize Day. Don't really care either way, although I do quite admire those who turn them down (Alan Bennett, David Bowie spring to mind).

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almostanangel · 06/07/2005 07:52

really? i thought they had made a comment when they were on a programme they neither had got one at the time

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almostanangel · 06/07/2005 07:53

im not saying they are worthwhile ....but......i got peed of when lesser people got them

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sobernow · 06/07/2005 07:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

cupcakes · 06/07/2005 07:57

I think acting/ 'the theatre darling' is as much of a form of art as music.

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SecondhandRose · 06/07/2005 08:07

But are the programmes successful because of their scripts/jokes? Surely the scriptwriters should be given the accolades? Blackadder's script writers are a team that springs to mind. Ben Elton and Richard Curtis I think it was.

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almostanangel · 06/07/2005 09:09

scripts are important ..but a good script is crap with bad actors and a bad script can be made good by 1st class actors........listen watch an episode of open all hours then watch porrige and fools and horses,,you will get the point ..you will never think of the other programes whilst watching these

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teeavee · 06/07/2005 09:30

i would repsect any actor who declined a knighthood much more than those who accept them

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expatinscotland · 06/07/2005 09:32

No, but I don't agree with knighthood as a concept at all. It's a colourful part of history - let's keep it that way.

But for entertainers it's even more of a joke, especially when you consider that Bob Geldof has one and his speech still sounds like he's on drugs.

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Mosschops30 · 06/07/2005 09:35

Message withdrawn

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Moomin · 06/07/2005 21:22

but expat, isn't Bob geldof's for his work with live aid? i wouldn't in a million years think it's for his stirling work in the boomtown rats!

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spidermama · 06/07/2005 21:35

Great actors contribute to the nations cultural tapestry as much as any musician or artist and can enrich lives. Like musicians they are conduits through which messages and emotions can be relayed and translated. I think they deserve recognition.

I should declare an interest here as DH IS an actor.

PS David Jason shouldn't get anything because he's crap IMO.

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Blu · 06/07/2005 21:43

Plenty of writers DO get honours - and rightly so.

But I don't think anyone would pay to go to the theatre and watch anyone who wasn't an actor 'read a script'. Without the art of acting it would be as entertaining as sitting reading the musical score instead of listening to an orchestra. Even excellent scripts (and perhaps especially excellent scripts) still sound flat, or worse, in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to play the part.

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Blu · 06/07/2005 21:46

LOL - just read your post through, Spidermama, thought 'hmmmm, she says that well - better than I just said it and I'm a theatre director...ah ha - her DH is an actor'!!!

He wasn't recently in a play at the Bush was he??

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RTKangaMummy · 06/07/2005 21:46

I deffo agree with actors getting them

BUT I get frustrated when politicians get them

DH cousin was a con MP and is now SIR XXXXXXXXX

Which I think is rubbish

He didn't do anything apart from know and be liked by the right people

Mind you I think actors are DEFFO BRILL

And polititians deffo NOT brill

IMHO

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spidermama · 06/07/2005 21:48

Nope. Though he has done a fair bit of theatre in London in the past couple of years, though more usually he's in telly.

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Blu · 06/07/2005 21:49

Ok. Was just thinking of the actors I know who live where you do!

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RTKangaMummy · 06/07/2005 21:49

Go on tell us his name

pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Am sure he is DEFFO BRILL

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Shiraz · 06/07/2005 21:52

I serioulsy don't think you can tar ALL politicians with the same brush!


I too think KNighthoods are part of our History, i do not think an Actor should get a knighthood, as i also think there are other people whm get them for reasons which to my self are unexplainable!

I think the word Celebrity is used wronlgy nowadays and also heroes are seen in the wrong sector of the famous too!

If we are not careflu people who truely deserve these rewards will be overshadowed by people who provide entertainment, rather than people who work hard in this world to change standards of life itself and help to make this world ecome a safer and more enjoyable space!

runs to hide form the flying eggs and tomatoes!

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Shiraz · 06/07/2005 21:54

apologies for spelling there, i am sat in the dark and cannot see, must put the light on!!!

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spidermama · 06/07/2005 21:54

It's Johnny Depp RTK.

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Blu · 06/07/2005 21:55

BIG differnce between 'celebrities' and proper actors, who often bring to life scripts which explore complex areas of our society, morality, and can change people's perspective on the world.

Talent is talent, whatever the field. I agree about 'celebrities', but don't include real artists in that category!

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