20 Celebrities Who Have Been Knighted
The British honours system has celebrated artists, athletes, and cultural figures by awarding knighthoods and damehoods for decades. These titles recognize major contributions to national life, from breakthroughs in entertainment and sport to long standing charitable work that uplifts communities.
Here are twenty well known names who received this rare recognition. For each person you will find the year of the honour, the grade they received, and the areas of achievement or service that were cited when they were invested.
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney was appointed Knight Bachelor in 1997 for services to music. The honour recognized his songwriting and global cultural impact with The Beatles and his long solo career that produced chart topping records and worldwide tours.
Beyond performance and composition he has supported music education and animal welfare initiatives for many years. He has also been an advocate for songwriters’ rights and has worked to preserve and promote British music heritage.
Elton John
Elton John received a knighthood in 1998 for services to music and charitable services. The citation reflected decades of bestselling albums and concert work as well as songwriting for film and stage that reached audiences across continents.
He later founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation which has funded prevention and treatment programs around the world. His advocacy has helped reduce stigma, expand access to care, and direct resources to communities most affected.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger was knighted in 2003 as a Knight Bachelor for services to popular music. The award acknowledged his role as lead singer of The Rolling Stones and his influence on live performance, touring, and recorded music over many decades.
He has also supported music education projects and disaster relief appeals through charity concerts and fundraising releases. His work in film production and cultural preservation projects has further contributed to the arts sector.
Tom Jones
Tom Jones became a Knight Bachelor in 2006 for services to music. The honour covered a sustained recording and touring career that brought British pop and soul to international audiences with hit singles across multiple eras.
He has contributed to causes focused on health, children, and disaster relief through performances and ambassador roles. His support for young artists through mentorship and televised talent programs has helped new singers build professional careers.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart was knighted in 2016 for services to music and charity. The recognition highlighted his decades of hit records and extensive touring along with philanthropic efforts for cancer research and children’s health.
He has funded equipment for hospitals and supported charities assisting families facing illness. He has also taken part in benefit events that raise money for community projects in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr received a knighthood in 2018 for services to music. The award reflected his work as the drummer of The Beatles and his subsequent solo career, including international touring with his All Starr Band.
He has supported programs that provide music instruction to young people and has contributed to environmental and humanitarian causes. His annual Peace and Love initiative invites global participation to promote nonviolence.
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins was knighted in 1993 as a Knight Bachelor for services to drama. The honour followed acclaimed stage work with the National Theatre and a screen career that included award winning performances in films such as ‘The Silence of the Lambs’.
He has supported arts education scholarships and film restoration projects. He has also contributed to charities focused on addiction recovery and youth outreach, drawing attention to services that expand access to care.
Michael Caine
Michael Caine became a Knight Bachelor in 2000 for services to cinema. The award recognized a prolific film career with leading and supporting roles in British and international productions including ‘The Dark Knight’.
He has supported charities for veterans and medical research through donations and public campaigns. He has also backed initiatives that create training opportunities for young filmmakers and actors in the United Kingdom.
Sean Connery
Sean Connery was knighted in 2000 for services to film drama. The recognition covered a long screen career that included the portrayal of James Bond and acclaimed work in productions shot in Britain and the United States.
He supported Scottish cultural and educational programs through scholarships and grants. He also contributed to efforts that promoted film production in Scotland, helping to attract international projects to local studios and locations.
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen was appointed Knight Bachelor in 1991 for services to the performing arts. The honour reflected award winning stage roles and screen performances including his work in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘X Men’.
He has advocated for theatre access programs and toured classical productions to expand regional audiences. He has also supported charities focused on equality and youth arts, raising funds through special performances and campaigns.
Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart received a knighthood in 2010 for services to drama. The award recognized a distinguished career in classical theatre and popular television, including his role in ‘Star Trek The Next Generation’.
He has championed domestic violence prevention organizations and literacy programs. He has also supported drama training scholarships that help students from underrepresented backgrounds enter professional theatre and film.
Ben Kingsley
Ben Kingsley became a Knight Bachelor in 2002 for services to the British film industry. The honour followed acclaimed work in films including ‘Gandhi’ and a range of international productions that showcased British acting talent.
He has promoted film education initiatives and participated in preservation projects for classic cinema. He has also supported charities addressing refugee welfare and health care access through fundraising events.
Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh was knighted in 2012 for services to drama and the community in Northern Ireland. The award recognized achievements as an actor and director across stage and screen, including adaptations of Shakespeare and films like ‘Belfast’.
He has supported youth theatre programs in Belfast and London, providing training and performance opportunities. He has also participated in campaigns that raise funds for arts venues and community outreach programs.
Daniel Day Lewis
Daniel Day Lewis received a knighthood in 2014 for services to drama. The honour reflected his select but highly influential screen career with acclaimed roles in films such as ‘There Will Be Blood’ and ‘Lincoln’.
He has supported arts education programs and charities focused on children’s health. He has also used auction donations and private fundraising to assist organizations that provide medical care and family services.
Judi Dench
Judi Dench was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1988 for services to drama. The recognition captured decades of stage excellence and screen roles that contributed to British cultural life, including work in ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Shakespeare in Love’.
She has supported theatre accessibility initiatives and charity performances that fundraise for medical research. She has also served as a patron for organizations that protect historic theatres and promote classical training.
Helen Mirren
Helen Mirren became a Dame Commander in 2003 for services to drama. The award acknowledged a diverse body of work across theatre, television, and film, including her portrayal in ‘The Queen’.
She has backed programs that mentor young women in the arts and has supported film festival initiatives that expand access for new directors. She has also participated in charity campaigns focused on hunger relief and education.
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith was appointed Dame Commander in 1990 for services to drama. The honour recognized leading roles on stage and in films and television, including ‘Downton Abbey’ and the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
She has supported healthcare charities and funded hospital equipment through donations linked to special events. She has also participated in fundraising performances that assist theatre companies and training schools.
Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews received a Damehood in 2000 for services to the performing arts. The award reflected her work in film and stage musicals including ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘The Sound of Music’.
She has supported children’s literacy programs and arts education through foundations and public appearances. She has also authored books for young readers, with proceeds and outreach tied to school and library initiatives.
Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson was knighted in 1999 for services to association football. The recognition followed a managerial career that delivered domestic and European titles and helped develop youth players who advanced to international competition.
He has raised funds for hospitals and medical research through dinners and speaking engagements. He has also contributed to coaching education programs that improve training standards at clubs and academies.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton received a knighthood in 2021 for services to motorsport. The honour acknowledged multiple Formula One World Championships and contributions to British sporting achievement on the global stage.
He has launched scholarships and apprenticeships that support students from underrepresented groups in engineering and motorsport. He has also funded environmental and community projects connected to science education and youth opportunity.
Share your favorite examples or any notable names we missed in the comments.