John Mortimer

My father was the doyen of the divorce barristers. He was an extremely erudite and very famous divorce barrister. So that, when I was a little boy in the nursery, instead of a story like 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,' I used to get 'The Duchess and the Seven Correspondents.

English Novelist

Abhijit Banerjee

Even Milton Friedman - doyen of radical free market thought - was willing to consider some government intervention into primary education on the grounds that it is unfair for children to not get a chance in life because they were born to poor parents.

American Economist

Ian Mckellen

I owe a great deal to Harold Hobson, doyen drama critic of the 'U.K. Sunday Times,' who championed me as Shakespeare's Richard II at the 1969 Edinburgh Festival.

English Actor

Using 'doyen' shows high respect for someone's achievements in their field.

Respect Implication

'Doyen' implies prominence beyond just being the oldest or longest-serving member.

Not Just Seniority

In some cultures, a doyen may hold an influential social or moral position.

Cultural Weight

Here, 'doyen' emphasizes age and experience within a group or organization.

Seniority Emphasized

'Doyen' suggests that the person can be a source of advice and mentorship.

Implicit Mentor

A doyen is often revered and respected without needing to demand it.