Patrick Stewart knighted in London

LONDON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- British actor Patrick Stewart has been knighted in London as part of the New Year Honors list for his contributions to drama, officials said.

Stewart, 69, a classically trained theater actor, is best known for his work on TV's "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and in the "X-Men" movies.

"In particular the past six years have given me acting opportunities that at one time I could not have imagined possible," the BBC quoted Stewart as saying. "This is an honor that embraces those actors, directors and creative teams who have in these recent years helped fill my life with inspiration, companionship and sheer fun."

Also mentioned on the honors list were Nicholas Hytner, artistic director of the National Theater; theater actress Margaret Tyzack; "Mamma Mia!" director Phyllida Lloyd; concert pianist Peter Donohoe; author Dick King-Smith; conductor James Loughran and artist Maggi Hambling.

The BBC said Hytner was also knighted, while Tyzack, Lloyd, Donohoe, Loughran and Hambling earned Commander of the British Empire titles, and King-Smith was given an Officer of the British Empire distinction.