Kevin Spacey Named Oxford Professor

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After playing a host of impressive roles in his films, the Hollywood actor has now been named as the Cameron Mackintosh Visiting Professor of Contemporary Theatre at Oxford's St Catherine's College, officials announced.

Succeeding Shakespearean actor and Star Trek: The Next Generation star Patrick Stewart, Spacey will be taking up his role as Oxford professor in the new academic year starting in October.

The post was earlier endowed by the likes of theatre impresario Mackintosh, composer stephen sondheim, playwright Alan Ayckbourn and actress Diana Rigg.

In a statement, Spacey said that he was delighted to be appointed to the one-year post, where he will be giving lectures, conducting workshops and seminars at the 800-year-old university.

"It really is an honour for me to have been invited to follow such illustrious names and take up this role at Oxford. The university is steeped in tradition and has a great heritage in the arts, and I look forward to working with the students and staff," The Daily Express quoted Spacey, as saying.

According to the college's master, Roger Ainsworth, Spacey was "a truly international star and will bring an enormous wealth of talent and experience in both film and theatre to bear on the role."

Ainsworth added: "He will be a huge draw for the student population of Oxford and to the wider public, too."

The legendary actor won Oscars for his roles in American Beauty and The Usual Suspects.