Childhood and Education Journey of Brian Cox (actor) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Brian Cox (actor). From birth to education, explore key events.

Brian Cox is a highly acclaimed Scottish actor, renowned for his extensive work in both theater and film. A classically trained Shakespearean actor, he has garnered numerous awards, including two Laurence Olivier Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Golden Globe Award. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2003, recognizing his significant contributions to the arts.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Honorary Doctor of Laws

In 1993, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Laws honoris causa by the University of Dundee.

2006: Honorary Doctorate of Drama

In 2006, Brian Cox was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Drama by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

July 2007: Honorary Doctor of Letters

In July 2007, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

2007: Campaigning for the Scottish Labour Party

In 2007, Brian Cox campaigned for the Scottish Labour Party leading up to that year's Scottish Parliament election.

July 2008: Honorary Doctor of Drama

In July 2008, Brian Cox was made an Honorary Doctor of Drama by Napier University in Edinburgh.

February 2010: Elected Rector of the University of Dundee

In February 2010, Brian Cox was elected as the 12th Rector of the University of Dundee by its students.

November 2011: Honorary Doctor of Letters

In November 2011, Brian Cox was named an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Kingston University in southwest London.

2011: Endorsing the Scottish National Party (SNP)

In 2011, Brian Cox endorsed the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the Parliament election, citing their higher education policy as the reason for his support.

May 2012: Support of Scottish Independence

In May 2012, Brian Cox spoke in support of Scottish independence at the Yes Scotland campaign, expressing his disillusionment with New Labour under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

2012: Grand Marshal of New York City Tartan Day Parade

In 2012, Brian Cox became the Grand Marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade.

January 2013: Re-elected Rector of the University of Dundee

In January 2013, Brian Cox was re-elected as the Rector of the University of Dundee.

2014: Inability to vote in Scottish Independence Referendum

In 2014, Brian Cox could not vote in the Scottish independence referendum due to his residence in the United States.

January 2015: Quitting Labour

On January 29, 2015, Brian Cox announced he had quit Labour under Ed Miliband and Jim Murphy, believing it had failed north and south of the border to live up to its basic principles in recent years, and joined the SNP.

January 2020: Calling for a Second Referendum

In January 2020, Brian Cox called for a second referendum on Scottish independence, stating that Labour had failed in Scotland and that the Scottish people were moving towards leaving the UK after Brexit.

January 2020: Removed from Patronage of Mid-Lin Daycare Centre

In January 2020, Brian Cox was removed from patronage of the Mid-Lin Daycare Centre in Dundee after serving for four years, due to his confession of his use and endorsement of recreational cannabis.

October 2020: Unlikely Return to Scotland

In October 2020, Brian Cox acknowledged that he was unlikely to ever return to living in Scotland, citing the weather as a major factor.

2020: Returned as Grand Marshal of New York City Tartan Day Parade

In 2020, Brian Cox reprised the role as the Grand Marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade.

2020: Reasons for Leaving Labour Party

In 2020, Brian Cox told Alastair Campbell that he was an active Labour supporter until the party's decision to involve the UK in the Iraq War under Tony Blair's leadership.

2021: Signing 'A Letter Against Apartheid'

During the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, Brian Cox signed his name in support of "A Letter Against Apartheid" written by six Palestinian artists.

September 2022: September 2022 United Kingdom mini-budget

In October 2022, Brian Cox criticized Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss in the wake of the September 2022 United Kingdom mini-budget.

October 2022: Criticism of Liz Truss

In October 2022, Brian Cox criticized Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss following the September 2022 United Kingdom mini-budget, asserting that the Conservatives had "no vision".

November 2022: Views on Scottish Nationalism and Federalism

In November 2022, Brian Cox clarified that he does not consider himself a Scottish nationalist and described himself as an Anglophile, but expressed concern over the number of political decisions being made on Scotland's behalf.

October 2023: Signing Artists4Ceasefire letter

After the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, Brian Cox signed the Artists4Ceasefire letter calling for a ceasefire and recorded himself reading the poem "If I Must Die".

September 2025: Pledge not to work with Israeli film institutions

In September 2025, Brian Cox signed an open pledge with Film Workers for Palestine pledging not to work with Israeli film institutions that are implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.