Michael Sheen has revealed the reasons behind his decision to return the OBE he was awarded in 2009, describing the process as "full on" during an appearance on The Romesh Ranganathan Show. The Welsh actor, known for roles in Good Omens and the Twilight franchise, is currently a contestant on the BBC show Celebrity Traitors.
Why Michael Sheen Returned His OBE
Sheen explained that his decision came after he was asked to deliver a Raymond Williams lecture. He told Ranganathan: "In the writing of the lecture and research, I essentially gave myself an education in Welsh history, Welsh political history. I put so much work into it. By the time I came out of it, I was sort of radicalised."
After finishing the lecture, the 57-year-old realised he could not deliver it while still holding the honour. He said: "I just can't do it, so I have to make a choice, I either have to give this OBE back, or I don't give this lecture."
The Process of Returning an Honour
Ranganathan asked how one returns an OBE, prompting Sheen to detail the lengthy procedure. He explained: "You have to write a letter to Prince Charles, as was. You don't have to physically do it yourself, but someone has to go and physically take the medal back and give it to the office. You have to sign something saying, 'I don't ever want to be asked again'. I mean, it's quite full on."
The actor, who received the honour for services to drama, admitted that although few people heard the lecture, it was the principle that mattered. He said: "It was pretty big, yeah. No one knew, I didn't tell anyone, I just did it." He added that he felt "honoured" at the time and holds no disrespect for the award.
Welsh Identity and Cultural Significance
Sheen explained the core of his decision: "I realised I couldn't say the things I was going to say about the nature of the relationship between Wales and the British State and the history of it. I sort of realised I couldn't have Officer of the British Empire after my name, it just didn't work."
During the conversation, Ranganathan also asked how important being Welsh is to Sheen, who said it has grown more significant over the years. He noted: "Early on, a lot of people would think Welshness is about rugby and male-voice choirs and Tom Jones. That is very much a part of it, that cultural stuff. But, it's got richer and richer for me as I've got older, and I love that, it's one of the things I've most enjoyed about my life."
Celebrity Traitors is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The Romesh Ranganathan Show is available on YouTube.
