‘Very proud’ Grease star tops honours list
Singer Olivia Newton-John and directors Sam Mendes and Steve McQueen have received the highest honours from the British government in this year’s New Year honours list.
Grease star Newton-John was made a dame for her singing and acting and for her charitable work supporting cancer research. Oscarwinning director Mendes, of American Beauty fame, was made a knight along with McQueen, director of 12 Years A Slave, winner of the Oscar for best picture.
The three were among more than 1000 people to receive honours recognising their contributions to the arts, science, research, charity, politics, community development and many other fields.
Newton-John, 71, said the honour was recognition of her British heritage. She was born in Britain but moved to Australia with her family when she was 5.
‘‘As a girl born in Cambridge, I am very proud of my British ancestry and so appreciative to be recognised in this way by the
United Kingdom,’’ she said.
Newton-John, who has spoken eloquently about battling breast cancer, said she was ‘‘grateful beyond words to be included with such an esteemed group of women who have received this distinguished award before me’’.
Mendes, 54, who has also directed two James Bond films and several well-received plays, said he was ‘‘amazed, delighted and extremely proud’’ with the news of his knighthood.
‘‘I have stood on the shoulders of so many collaborators and colleagues over the last 30 years – actors, writers, designers, producers, technicians – to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. I would not be receiving this honour without them.’’ Musician and singer Elton John, who has spent many years raising money to fight HIV-Aids, was given an additional honour to go with the knighthood he received 21 years ago. He was appointed to the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Another entertainer, hospital chaplain Wynne Roberts, received the British Empire Medal for raising roughly £250,000 (NZ$490,000) for charity by performing as Elvis Presley dozens of times a year.
Roberts also performs many free shows in nursing homes, particularly for people with dementia, and said Presley’s hits spread good cheer. ‘‘[Patients] are actually taken back, through music, to a very happy time,’’ he said.