Actor/director Douglas Campbell has been inducted into the Order of Canada, the highest civic honor a Canadian can receive.

Campbell, who recently celebrated his 75th birthday, was recognized for the contribution he has made as an actor, director and supporter of Canadian theatre over the past several decades.

The Order was created by the Queen in 1967 to recognize lifetime achievement and meritorious service to the country. The Order has three levels of membership: companion (the highest), officer and member. Campbell was inducted as a member.

In 1954 Campbell founded the Canadian Players, a company that brought professional theatre to smaller towns across the country. Notable roles include Sir in The Dresser at Theatre Aquarius, and Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Theatre New Brunswick. Campbell is most renowned for his work as an actor and director at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. He was a member of the festival's inaugural company in 1953 and has since played more than 40 roles and directed more than 10 productions at Stratford.

This summer Campbell directs his son, Benedict Campbell, in the title role of Oedipus Rex, a remounting of the 1954/55 Stratford production that starred the senior Campbell and was directed by Tyrone Guthrie. Oedipus Rex begins previews July 31 at the Festival Theatre. It opens Aug. 8 and runs through Oct. 11. For Stratford Festival tickets call 1-800-567-1233.

--By Laura MacDonald