Colin, who graduated with a BA in Drama in 1983, returned to campus to be formally recognised for his outstanding contributions to the arts and his role in championing men’s health issues.
Colin is an actor, narrator, voice actor and director, who is known around the world for his roles on stage, television, radio and film. He played Gotham City police Commissioner Gillian B Loeb in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and is the commanding voice behind the gameshow, The Cube.
He has had roles in the Doctor Who universe, playing Moran and voicing the Heavenly Host, and will soon star as General Pierce in the upcoming spin-off series The War Between the Land and the Sea, set for release later this year.
His other screen credits include playing Ulysses in Outlander, starring as Chief Superintendent Cunningham in ITV’s hit sitcom Piglets, and appearances in The Fast Show, Death Valley, and the Liam Neeson thriller The Commuter.
In animation, Colin has voiced characters in popular children’s shows including Little Princess, Milo, Mike the Knight, Chuggington, Dennis the Menace, Supertato, and Hey Duggee. He is also JJ in Bob the Builder, Mr Lion in Peppa Pig, PC Malcolm Williams in Fireman Sam and is currently recording a new animated series, Zog. He played Nelson and Chief in The Queen's Corgi and will appear as Nachtkraab in the animated film The Grand Prix of Europe, which will be in cinemas this summer.
Colin has also lent his voice to popular video games, including Batman: Arkham Knight, Final Fantasy XVI, and Dead Island 2, and has starred in widely praised radio productions including the Sony Award-winning drama Lavender Song with Bill Nighy and the BBC Radio 4 comedy The Many Wrongs of Lord Christian Brighty.
On stage, he’s earned acclaim for performances in Fences alongside Lenny Henry, The Collection with Harold Pinter, and Coriolanus opposite Corin Redgrave then Steven Berkoff. He received the Time Out Best Actor award for his role in Two Horsemen.
Outside of acting, Colin has used his platform to promote men’s health awareness. He publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023, and his advocacy has inspired others to get checked, potentially saving their lives.
Colin is also the co-founder of Justice4Windrush, a charity campaigning for full and swift compensation for the victims of the Windrush scandal and legal recognition of their – and their descendants – right to live in the UK.
The organisation is using the power of film and television to amplify the voices of the Windrush generation to raise awareness, educate the public, and ignite a collective call for action. Numerous projects are in the works – including a television drama, a university ambassador programme, and a school lesson plan – with updates being shared through the charity’s Instagram page: @j4windrush.
Reflecting on what it means to receive an honorary doctorate from the university where he studied Drama, Colin said: “I feel very lucky to be able to come back and be recognised for the work I’ve done. It’s a wonderful full circle moment.
“This is where it all began, where the dreams began. My younger self wouldn’t believe that one day I’d be in a Batman movie, work with Liam Neeson, become the voice of an iconic game show, produce, direct and write, be offered lovely roles in Hollywood, and make my parents proud.
“And the bonus is that this has given me a platform to help other people. That wasn’t something that was in my dream, but dreams evolve. So, yes, it’s very special to come back to where it all began.”
Pictured, from the left to right, is the University's Chancellor, Lord Sebastian Coe, Colin McFarlane, and Loughborough's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings.
During the ceremony, Colin addressed the graduating class with an inspiring message: “You’re at the beginning of your journeys, and we need your generation to step up and make a difference.
“Nelson Mandela said ‘education is the most powerful tool we have to change the world’. That’s your superpower. Use it, and you can change the world.”
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, said: “Colin is an exceptional talent and a powerful advocate, who brings passion, purpose, and a deep sense of humanity to everything he does.
"At Loughborough, we take great pride in our commitment to the Arts, and alumni like Colin embody the creativity and excellence we strive for. We are honoured to recognise his achievements with an honorary degree and thrilled to welcome him back to campus.”
Colin was made a Doctor of the University at Loughborough’s summer graduation service on Tuesday 15 July 2025.