Legendary actor hails ‘special day’ after receiving Freedom of the City of London
Actor Ray Winstone has expressed his deep pride at being awarded the prestigious Freedom of the City of London award.
The 68-year-old was born in Hackney and is famous for his roles in films those who left And King of ThievesHe was honored at a ceremony in central London on Wednesday.
The recognition highlighted his extensive fundraising and charitable contributions.
He is known for his distinctive East Coast accent and his impressive portrayals of a variety of “tough guy” characters, including ex-con Gary “Gal” Dove. Sexy MonsterWinstone stated that he was “very proud to be a Londoner.”
Beyond his playing career, he has been a devoted lifelong supporter of many causes, particularly the West Ham United Foundation, the official charity of West Ham United Football Club.
It also supports ICAP Charity Day, a fundraising event in which ICAP and City commissioners donate 100 percent of a day’s proceeds to charity.
Winstone said: “Today, more than ever, I am a proud Londoner and if my parents were still here to see me receive the Freedom of the City of London award, I know it would mean the world to them, as it does to me.
“This was a very special day for me and I am so grateful to Lady Mayor Sue Langley for welcoming my guests and me to The Mansion House, and to Alastair King and William Russell for nominating me.”
Over the course of fifty years, Winstone appeared in the following films: Quadrophenia, cold mountain And Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
He also took part in TV series such as. Design, Dwindling Flats, One Foot in the Grave, BlessingAnd Feathered Birds.
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Winstone was nominated by former mayors of the City of London, Sir William Russell, and Alistair King, who served last year.
He received his award at a ceremony held at The Mansion House, the official residence of Mayor Dame Susan Langley.
Dame Susan said: “Ray Winstone may have earned the title of ‘tough guy’ on the big screen but he always had a big heart off screen, as you can see in his charity work.
“West Ham means so much to both of us: it’s the club we’ve both supported for many years and it’s where I was born, so it was a real pleasure to see him receive this recognition today.”
Winstone recently attended a live sculpture event in support of a veterans’ charity, which he described as “an honour” and added that his participation was not about “supporting the war” but “supporting our children”.
Royal sculptor Frances Segelman created a bust of Winstone at an event for Blesma, a military charity that supports amputee veterans.
The Liberty of the City of London is a way of respecting an individual’s outstanding contribution to public life and is believed to have begun in 1237.
Previous award winners include Hollywood star Cate Blanchett, choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne, comedian Sir Lenny Henry and former Olympic Commonwealth Games athlete Lady Mary Peters.
