David Morrissey was awarded an honorary degree by Liverpool Hope University.
At a Winter graduation ceremony last week the actor, born in Kensington, told graduating students at the Metropolitan Cathedral it was a "delight" to "share your day with you." He was receiving an honorary degree in recognition of his distinguished acting career and his charitable work.
As he received the award the actor, who learned his trade at the Everyman Youth Theatre, remembered an unforgettable moment from his childhood in the cathedral. He said: "I grew up just not too far from here and we would come here as kids.
READ MORE: Search for man after Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Smith boxing assault
"I was born in '64 so it was completed just a couple of years after I was born. It caused a lot of controversy but when I came into the building I just loved it. I loved its magnificence, I loved how modern it was.
"I remember being here for a service and a tthe end the Archbishop asked us to look towards the window at the sun coming in and it just sparkled all around us. I've never forgotten that moment."
The star, 58, perhaps best know today for his role as the Governor in The Walking Dead, also had some inspiring words for the graduates. He said: "I really want to congratulate you all today.
"It’s amazing that you’re here particularly given the years we’ve been going through. Covid was devastating for so many people, particularly people in education.
"I’m sure you, your families and your friends are very proud of how you got here today."
He added: "One of the things I really know is that there’s no such thing as success without failure. You will fail.
"You will hit the buffers, there will be times when you feel that it's not worth it. They’re the most important times. There’s no such thing as winning and losing there’s only winning and learning."
Prior to the ceremony Dr Penny Haughan, interim vice-chancellor of the university said: "The university is privileged to honour David with this honorary degree and we are delighted he is able to celebrate with our students.
"Liverpool Hope prides itself on producing rounded graduates who are ready to make a positive contribution in all aspects of the modern world.
"David embodies this commitment as a superb actor who excels in his chosen field, but also as a patron and supporter of various charities, many of which aim to improve the lives of children.
"He is a shining example to all our students."
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Woman returned from Spain holiday to find 'urgent letters' on doorstep
Audience members evacuated from M&S Bank arena after one song
Woman hid more than £1,000 of crack inside her body
The big Liverpool projects that could be rubber stamped this week
'I ditched dating apps like Tinder for a single's night and got more than I expected'
