Jonathan Banks, who studied theater at IU in the 1960s and later came to fame as an Emmy-nominated character actor, will receive an honorary doctoral degree from IU, the University announced Monday.
IU will present Banks with an honorary doctor of humane letters during the Honors Convocation on April 10, according to an IU press release.
Banks, whose notable work in television and film ranges from “Breaking Bad” to “Airplane!” and “Beverly Hills Cop,” has several ties to Indiana.
His mother graduated from IU in 1945 and later taught at Indiana State University, and his grandfather, a stonecutter, helped lay the foundation of IU’s Franklin Hall. One of his daughters is an IU alumna, and another is a current student.
While at IU, Banks acted alongside Kevin Kline, another actor who went on to receive major award show accolades.
Banks left before graduating at IU to pursue his career.
But Banks has returned to IU several times to teach classes and give lectures. In 2014, he appeared at the IU Cinema for a sold-out on-stage interview.
“Jonathan’s acting ability is matched by an unwavering commitment to community and to inspiring young people through his messages of hard work, kindness and personal responsibility,” IU President Michael McRobbie said in the release.
In a letter nominating Banks for the degree, Media School Dean James Shanahan cited Banks’ rise from familiar character actor to recognizable name with his roles in “Breaking Bad” and its spin-off, “Better Call Saul,” according to the release.
“For many years, Banks had the sort of recognition that many character actors seek of being ‘that guy’ that you recognize from the movies, but without the name recognition,” he said. “Now, though, he has the full name recognition as well.”
Theater department chair Jonathan Michaelsen said in the release students could note Banks’ continued work ethic even as his fame increases.
“I cannot think of a better example for our students to emulate,” he said.
Jack Evans
