Liverpool actress Rita Tushingham's John Moores University fellowship

Jul 22 2009 by Samantha Parker, Liverpool Daily Post

TRIMMED in violet and beaming the smile that made her a film favourite Rita Tushingham poses for the camera clutching her latest award.

The Merseyside- born actress of A Taste of Honey was back in her home city yesterday collecting her Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University for her outstanding and sustained contributions to the performing arts.

Rita chose her violet trim because of her mother.

When she won her first film role in A Touch of Honey her mother bought her flowers.

She said: “When I won the role my mum sent me violets. They were beautiful.

“It’s a symbol between my mum and me. The colour works perfectly too.

“It is rather overwhelming to be presented with the award but a great honour.

“It means a lot to me as it’s from the city I was born in, the city that means so much to me. It couldn’t be better. I am delighted.”

Born in Hunts Cross, Rita’s professional debut was at the Liverpool Playhouse.

She went on to star in the film A Taste of Honey, a performance which won her a Golden Globe, Best Actress at Cannes and a British Academy Award.

Among her wide-ranging work, she is best-known for roles in Doctor Zhivago, The Knack, Girl With Green Eyes and The Leather Boys.

Speaking about Rita’s conferment, Dr Graham Roberts, Director of the Screen School, said: “Rita is an exceptional actress.

“She was an icon of 1960s Britain and has since been held in high regard for her continued presence across TV, film and theatre including last year’s outstanding performance in Nic Roeg's Puffball.

“As a driven, talented individual who was born in Liverpool, we are delighted to confer her with an Honorary Fellowship.”