Danny Boyle Proudly Turns Down English Knighthood

Danny Boyle may be one of the greatest directors to come out of England, but that doesn’t mean he wants the greatest honor that could be bestowed on an Englishman.

Worst Previews is reporting that after choreographing London’s 2012 Olympics, Boyle was approached by the knighthood committee with the intention of making him Sir Danny Boyle.  Without a second thought, Boyle declined.  The reason?

“I’m very proud to be an equal citizen and I think that’s what the Opening Ceremony [of the Olympics] was actually about.”

On one side, I commend Boyle for his modesty and wanting to be normal.  On the other hand, to be knighted is the greatest honor one could receive in London, and I feel like it’s a proud moment for everyone when one rises to such a prestigious level…something to be celebrated by all.

Boyle is not the first person to turn down knighthood…A CLOCKWORK ORANGE actor Malcolm McDowell also declined it in recent years.  Other actors honored with the title of “Sir” include Kenneth Branagh, Michael Caine, Sean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart and Ben Kingsley.