Stage and Screen Star Brian Cox Named as New Patron of Edinburgh Festival Fringe

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is delighted to announce actor Brian Cox as the newest Patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

From an early-stage career in the 1960s, Brian has forged a career full of iconic roles, including the first incarnation of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter (1986), sinister CIA chief Ward Abbott in the Bourne franchise (2002–2004) and, more recently, billionaire patriarch Logan Roy in the multi-award-winning Succession (2018–2023).

In addition to a wide ranging career on stage and screen, Brian has a strong history as a supporter of the arts, being a patron of the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow, The Old Rep in Birmingham, the British American Drama Academy in London and The Space in his native Dundee – the latter being a performance and training venue for actors and dancers. In 1965 he was among the founding members of the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company in Edinburgh and was most recently named an honorary patron of the campaign to modernise the city’s historic King’s Theatre.

Brian Cox said “The culture of the performing arts in Scotland is embedded firmly in my DNA, and it’s impossible to talk about Scotland’s performing arts culture without talking about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I’m delighted to come aboard as an ambassador for this incredible event, and to champion its well-earned reputation as a springboard and a proving ground for generations of performing artists past, present and future.”

 Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy said “To say we’re pleased to have Brian on board is an understatement. He’s done so much to promote homegrown artistic talent, not just through his incredible CV of acting work but also through his patronage and support of organisations the length and breadth of this country. He’s set an iconic example with his own artistic journey, and an inspiration to both the established and emerging artists who bring their magic to the Edinburgh Fringe every single year. We’re thrilled to have him as a champion and welcome his support in the months and years ahead.”

Irene Brown