The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appointed British Greek-origin actor Theo James as its Global Goodwill Ambassador.

James, who starred in the TV series “The Gentlemen” and “The White Lotus”, has supported UNHCR since 2016 and has travelled to Greece, France and Jordan to meet with asylum seekers and refugees, the organisation said.

James said his family’s experience “made him understand the sacrifices and struggles that refugees face.”

Super! Just announced: Theo James has joined @‌Refugees as Goodwill Ambassador. We are thrilled.

His passion and personal connection to refugees is clear and we are grateful to count him as an advocate #WithRefugees. pic.twitter.com/XP4o1HLcVC

— Kelly T. Clements (@KellyTClements) June 17, 2024

“I am very proud to join UNHCR as a Goodwill Ambassador. During World War II, my grandfather was forced to flee in a small boat from Greece to Syria and his courage and resilience inspired me to help change the lives of displaced people,” he said in a statement.

“… My grandfather was welcomed and offered shelter by the Syrian people, which enabled him to rebuild his life as a doctor and give back. That is why it is important for me to be in solidarity with refugees fleeing conflict,” he said.

The UNHCR announced last week that the number of people forcibly displaced reached a record 117.3 million at the end of last year and that the number could rise without global policy changes.

“No one chooses to become a refugee. But we can all choose how to respond to people in need of shelter, whose lives depend on it,” said Theo James whose real name is Theodore Peter James Taptiklis.

“Refugees arrive in new countries with skills, qualifications and ideas, they just need the opportunity to contribute,” he added.

Dominic Hyde, Director of External Relations at UNHCR, said: “I am delighted to welcome Theo James as UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador at a time when more people than ever before have been forced to flee their homes. As a long-time supporter, he has shown genuine commitment and empathy towards refugees and has made vital contributions to advocacy and fundraising work.”

James was born in England on 16 December 1984. His father Philip Taptiklis is originally from the Peloponnese, while his mother Jane is from Scotland. He has two brothers and two sisters.