Benedict Cumberbatch has been named the new president of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
The Oscar-nominated star, who graduated from the London drama school in 2000 with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Classical Acting, has been selected to replace Timothy West, who is leaving the role after 31 years, with immediate effect.
“Having trained at LAMDA, I am thrilled to have been appointed as its new president and would like to thank my predecessor, the great Timothy West for his remarkable and steadfast tenure,” Benedict said in a statement. “It will be an honor to watch the next generation of actors, directors, and technicians blossom and grow into outstanding creative artists and theatre professionals through the exceptional training provided by LAMDA.”
He continued his statement by saying he was looking forward to working with the LAMDA team to ensure the school remains accessible to everyone and “that my profession and industry is diverse and reflective of the world we live in.”
Veteran actor Timothy, whose wife Prunella Scales is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, said he was “overjoyed” by his successor, who helped their 2013 fundraising drive for a new building, which opened last year (17).
