Somerset’s own Maisie Williams received an honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University, sharing heartfelt gratitude and inspiring advice during the graduation ceremony.
The 29-year-old Game of Thrones star, known worldwide for her role as Arya Stark, reflected on her unconventional path to success. Maisie left Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton at just 15 to chase her acting dreams. “I want to say a massive thank you to my mum for letting me leave school to chase my dreams. It worked out in the end!” she said, recognizing her mother’s unwavering support.
Despite being a Bristol City fan, she found the university graduation gowns amusingly reminiscent of the colours of local rivals, Bristol Rovers.
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Maisie’s career boasts two Emmy nominations and numerous Screen Actors Guild nods. Most recently, she wrapped filming Practical Magic 2 alongside stars Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, and Joey King.
The honorary doctorate in arts was presented by Bath Spa University’s vice-chancellor, Georgina Andrews, at a ceremony attended by 1,500 graduates in the Forum, Bath.
Beyond acting, Maisie is the founder of Daisie, a social media platform created to support creatives across arts, fashion, TV, film, photography, music, and literature. She also actively supports The MAZI Project, a Bristol charity focused on alleviating food poverty.
Offering encouragement to graduates, Maisie shared her empowering mantra: “Whenever I’m doing something that scares me, whether that’s learning a new skill, walking into an audition, or sitting in an important meeting, I always whisper to myself, ‘Just rock it.’ Let go. Stop worrying about getting it right or if you’re good enough. Just get in the zone and ROCK it. There is no one else like you.”
Looking ahead, Maisie’s upcoming project is the BBC Radio 4 audio drama Intimacy, co-starring Lena Headey, her Game of Thrones co-star. The eight-part series explores themes of consent, power, and the personal cost of speaking out, set on a major film production in Greece. Written and directed by Headey, Maisie plays Bunny, an actor grappling with vulnerability.
On working in audio rather than on-screen, Maisie said: “No hair and makeup, no uncomfortable outfits, no early call time. Just pure vibes.”
Intimacy also stars Hannah Waddingham and Alison Steadman. It will be available as a boxset on BBC Sounds from Wednesday and airs on BBC Radio 4 at 11pm Mondays, starting July 27.