Emmy award-winning actress Archie Panjabi received an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters yesterday [19 July] from Brunel University in London. It was a trip down memory lane for Archie, who graduated with a BSc in Management Studies from Brunel in 1996.
In response to receiving her degree in recognition of her outstanding services to the arts Archie said, “I had two ambitions as a child: attend University and become an actress. I was told neither would be a possibility for me, but I continued to persevere.
“With the incredible support and encouragement of my parents, a wonderful teacher and this extraordinary institution, I was able to realise my first childhood goal. Returning to Brunel University to accept an honorary degree in recognition of my contribution to the arts is far beyond my wildest dreams and an accomplishment I hope will inspire others.”
Archie is currently starring as the mysterious investigator Kalinda Sharma on CBS’ critically acclaimed hit drama, The Good Wife – a role that has captivated both viewers and critics alike and earned her an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (2010) and another recent nomination for the upcoming 2011 Emmy Awards.
Her big screen credits include Bend It Like Beckham, East is East, Yasmin, The Constant Gardner, A Good Year and A Mighty Heart.
In addition to her work as an actress, Archie has dedicated herself to several global philanthropic endeavours, including Rotary International in partnership with UNICEF, and The Gates Foundation for the ”We are this Close” international campaign to eradicate the last 1 per cent of polio left in the world.
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For press inquiries regarding Archie Panjabi, please contact Angelique O’Neil, angelique@angeliqueoneil.com
High resolution copies of the photos can be downloaded from Brunel University's Flickrstream.