HE plays a leading role in the hit series 'Game of Thrones' but yesterday actor Jack Gleeson was made a scholar at Trinity College.

The second-year student -- who's studying philosophy and theology -- was among 103 new scholars awarded the coveted accolade yesterday.

The 19-year-old plays the easy-to-despise boy king, Joffrey Baratheon, in the medieval drama which is causing waves on both sides of the Atlantic. But despite his global fame, Mr Gleeson may abandon acting for a more academic route. He previously said: "After 'Game Of Thrones' I'd be happy to do some amateur plays but I don't think I want to do any more professional acting.

"I'd like to be an academic, a philosophy lecturer if possible. I'd do a Masters in Ancient Hebrew maybe, and a PhD hopefully, if I get in."

Rewarding

The Cork native added: "The thing about that level of acting is that it is very financially rewarding but for me it is a balancing act.

"I'm happy to sacrifice a big pay cheque for my happiness, if that's not too corny a thing to say. It's probably more naive than mature to say that, maybe, but that's how I feel."

Scholars are students who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and understanding of their subjects. They are elected annually in various subjects as the result of an exam held in the week before the start of the second term. To become a member of the exclusive Trinity Scholars' club, Mr Gleeson undertook the series of gruelling exams covering a varied mix of topics separate to the academic curriculum.

In recognition of his accolade, he and the other scholars are now entitled to a seat around the dinner table in the Dining Hall at Trinity College. He is also entitled to free accommodation on the campus.

It was also a proud day for President Michael D Higgins, who received an Honorary Fellowship from the college for his commitment to education throughout the course of his career.

Another Honorary Fellowship went to Prof Thomas Clive Lee, Professor of Anatomy in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and in the Royal Hibernian Academy.

In total, two Honorary Fellows and 16 new Fellows were also announced.

Irish Independent