Ashley Jensen - Laureation
In the name and on behalf of the Senate, I have the privilege to present for the honorary degree of Doctor of the University, honoris causa, Ashley Jensen.
It is a profound honour to present to you today a woman whose work has entertained millions and whose career has inspired countless aspiring performers.
Ashley was born in Annan, Dumfriesshire, and it was in Edinburgh - at what was then Queen Margaret College - that she first honed the craft that would take her to stages and screens across the globe. Her time at this institution, now Queen Margaret University, laid the foundation for a career defined by versatility, emotional depth, and a fierce commitment to authenticity.
Her big breakthrough came with the UK BBC hit comedy series ‘Extras’, where she starred opposite actor and comedian Ricky Gervais as the endearingly awkward Maggie Jacobs. As a regular on the show, she also appeared in guest episodes with stars like Samuel L Jackson, Ben Stiller and Chris Martin. Her performance, full of warmth, wit, and vulnerability, earned her two British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, and introduced her to a global audience.
She then crossed the Atlantic to star in the hit American comedy drama ‘Ugly Betty’. Her character, Christina McKinney, was originally an American, but when Ashley met the show’s producers, they loved her accent so much that they changed the nationality of the character, keeping McKinney Scottish.
Ashley’s work has always been marked by a deep humanity. Whether she’s solving mysteries in the British comedy drama ‘Agatha Raisin’, narrating documentaries with warmth and clarity, or stepping into the lead role in the popular crime drama TV series ‘Shetland’, she brings a groundedness and emotional intelligence that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Her recent role in ‘Shetland’ is particularly significant. Taking over the reins of a beloved series, Ashley brought a fresh perspective and a quiet strength to the role, proving once again her ability to evolve, adapt, and lead. Her performance has been praised for its nuance and emotional resonance, breathing new life into the series while honouring its legacy.
Ashley’s talents extend far beyond the screen. She began her career in theatre, performing with companies such as Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre, Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, and the politically engaged 7:84. Her stage work laid the foundation for her expressive range and social awareness as a performer.
She has also made her mark in voice acting, lending her distinctive voice to animated films such as ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Gnomeo and Juliet’, as well as narrating popular television series like Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ and BBC 2’s ‘Designing the Hebrides’, and national advertising campaigns. Her voice work, like her acting, is characterised by clarity, warmth, and relatability.
Beyond her screen work, Ashley has remained a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland. She has used her platform to support emerging talent, promote diversity in casting, and champion mental health awareness within the creative industries. Her commitment to these causes reflects the values we cherish at Queen Margaret University - compassion, courage, and community.
Today, we celebrate not only Ashley’s extraordinary achievements, but also her enduring connection to this institution. She is a shining example of what our graduates can achieve when they combine talent with tenacity, and creativity with integrity.
Chancellor, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts, I have much pleasure in inviting you to confer upon Ashley Jensen, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University.
