Paul Kaye on receiving an honorary Doctor of Arts degree at Winter Graduation

Each year, at the University's graduation ceremonies, NTU confers awards upon individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievement in their field; the contribution they have made to society; or their service to the University.
We caught up with Paul Kaye, who received an honorary Doctor of Arts at our December 2021 Winter Graduation ceremonies, to find out his advice for our graduates and how studying at NTU helped his career.
Paul Kaye is an actor and comedian who is best known for his anarchic television character Dennis Pennis. Paul graduated from Trent Polytechnic in 1987 with a 1st class degree in Theatre Design.
Paul worked as a scene painter, a graphic designer and an illustrator before creating the character Dennis Pennis which first appeared on BBC 2’s The Sunday Show in 1995. He worked in TV comedy throughout the 1990s and was nominated for a couple of British Comedy Awards. In 2004, he starred in the film It’s All Gone Pete Tong, playing the deaf DJ Frankie Wilde. The movie won numerous awards around the world including Best Film at the Toronto Film Festival 2004 and Best Actor at the US Comedy Arts Festival. His television credits include Game of Thrones, After Life, The Stranger, the multi BAFTA award winning Three Girls, Pulling and Inside Number 9.

[@blacksunshine7485]

I cant say enough positive things about the guy. Everytime he appears in something its an absolute treat and he certainly doesn't get the kudos for opening the doors for acts like Sacha Baron Cohen and is a seriously good character actor and comic. Well deserved.

[@anakin.2956]

I had the honour of meeting Paul Kaye and his beautiful family, way back in 2000. A real down to earth, straight up dude! He truly is a comic genius. Am glad to have met him

[@karlhinze]

“I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself, to be brave, to not worry about failure, to follow your heart… and to ask celebrities ridiculous questions”.

[@andy5gs]

Paul Kaye well done . I gotta say I love all hes comedy characters and specially the characters he plays in film

[@ghostofguy]

Needs to be in more films. Excellent actor!

[@wightangel]

Well done Paul. You deserve this.

[@christinaladevig9773]

I ADORE Paul Kaye

[@sandraobermeier6383]

I Love you Paul 😍

[@suehill9679]

Amazingly talented man

[@davidforshaw4810]

👍A real artist! An absolute Legend! 👍

[@vikinginspace4881]

So glad he got this. Dennis Pennis was my hero in the 90’s

[@donwright3427]

I think Dennis should have interviewed him

[@needleboy17]

I think this is the guy who voiced the host of the UK version of YDKJ Vol. 2

[@Ausf.D.A.K.]

I love Mike Strutter !

[@TheBigT79]

Funniest man in Britain.

[@BaldBloke]

Frankie Wilde's still got it ! 😇

[@clausm2203]

i loved his carater in game of trones

[@tteros5998]

How come Paul Kaye isn't funny anymore?

[@benshepraf]

Hey Paul, how come you're not funny any more?

[@E.Cantona]

Old in no time