(Picture: AP)
A British actor best known for his work in a classic 1970s sitcom has been honoured in a high-profile White House ceremony alongside Hollywood heavyweights, including Sylvester Stallone.
The 83-year-old actor, Michael Crawford, was recognised as one of the 2025 Kennedy Centre Honorees during a special event hosted by US President Donald Trump.
At the ceremony, held inside the Oval Office in Washington, DC, Trump personally presented a medal to Crawford in front of invited guests and officials.
The event took place on December 6, 2025 and marked one of the most prestigious cultural honours in the United States.
Crawford, who rose to fame in Britain through his role in the hit sitcom Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, was recognised not only for his comedy work but also for his contributions to theatre and music.
Crawford appeared visibly moved as he accepted the medallion and thanked organisers for recognising his career.
The Kennedy Centre Honours celebrate artists who have made a lasting impact on American and global culture, and the 2025 list blended actors, musicians and performers from different generations.
Alongside Crawford, action movie legend Sylvester Stallone was also honoured for his decades-long contribution to film and popular culture.
Stallone, best known for his roles in the Rocky and Rambo franchises, stood alongside his fellow honourees during the White House ceremony.
Country music icon George Strait was another recipient, praised for his influence on American country music and record-breaking career.
Members of the rock band KISS were also included in the honours, representing the world of classic rock.
Disco legend Gloria Gaynor joined the list, celebrated for her contribution to dance music and her enduring global hits.
Observers noted the unusual yet eye-catching mix of British comedy, Hollywood action cinema, country music, rock, and disco among the honourees.
Crawford’s inclusion was considered a major moment for British television, especially for fans of classic sitcoms.
In the 1970s, he became a household name in the UK for his physical comedy and catchphrases, establishing himself as one of Britain’s most recognisable TV stars.
While many younger viewers may associate him more with his later stage work, especially in musical theatre, older fans remember him as a defining figure of British comedy.
The White House event highlighted Crawford’s international influence and the way his work crossed cultural boundaries between the UK and the US.
Photos from the ceremony show Trump standing beside Crawford as he presented the medallion, with other honourees looking on.
Social media quickly reacted to the images, with fans expressing surprise at Crawford accepting the controversial award.
One X user, @elainebks, expressed her upset: ‘Michael Crawford – THE Michael Crawford- of Phantom of the Opera and Frank Spencer- got the Trump award. Disappointing.’
‘I’ve now lost all respect for him! Stallone & the rest I knew were rightwing ass-kissers, but I’m surprised at Crawford!’ @cardownie added.
Another X user, @the_blue_dahlil, was upset by the event: ‘Was it worth it—to have your life’s work tarnished for a pseudo-honour from a racist, wannabe fascist, & pedophile—aren’t you better than that, Michael? What a shame.’
Media coverage focused heavily on the unexpected combinations of figures appearing together in the same ceremony.
For many, seeing a British sitcom actor honoured in the same breath as global music and movie icons symbolised the growing recognition of television comedy as a serious art form.
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