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Actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director, Bill Hader, will be Chapman University’s 2024 commencement speaker. Hader will deliver the commencement ceremony address on Friday, May 17, at the university’s campus in Orange, California.
While Hader earned a name as a master of stand-out characters and impressions on “Saturday Night Live”, more recently he has become a multi-hyphenate by creating, directing, writing, producing and starring as a burned-out assassin trying to break into Hollywood as an actor in HBO’s award-winning and critically lauded dark comedy, “Barry”. Hader’s dedication to the craft has been recognized with numerous accolades, including Emmy Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, and Writers Guild Awards.
“Bill Hader is a true inspiration to our graduating students, embodying a spirit of curiosity and perseverance,” said Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa. “His remarkable journey from ‘Saturday Night Live’ to creating, directing and starring in the award-winning series ‘Barry’ is a testament to the possibilities engendered when entrepreneurship and creativity combine.”
Hader’s connection to Chapman extends beyond the commencement stage. In March, he gave a master class to Dodge College of Film and Media Arts students at the No. four American film school, ranked by both The Wrap and The Hollywood Reporter. During the class, Hader shared insights into his craft and experiences in the industry.
“I felt like if I could learn how to write, I [could] control my destiny in a way,” Hader said. “If I know how to write, then everything kind of comes from the idea. That’s really good if you can see what a script needs, the story needs.”
Beyond stories about his own beginnings, like showing up to his first production assistant job with his college degree, and encounters with SNL alumni, Hader emphasized the importance of being a creator and overcoming self-doubt.
“Expressing yourself doesn’t mean [doing] what everybody else is liking,” Hader said. “Just do it. Make sure you’re constantly making stuff.”
In addition to his work on “Barry,” for which Hader nabbed two Emmys for acting, Hader is also the co-creator of IFC’s “Documentary Now!” and has showcased his acting talents in a variety of films, from comedic hits like “Trainwreck” and “Superbad” to more dramatic roles in “The Skeleton Twins” and “It Chapter Two.”
During the commencement ceremony, Chapman will confer upon Bill Hader an honorary Doctor of Arts degree, (honoris causa) recognizing his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment and his commitment to inspiring future generations of artists and creators.
Past Chapman University commencement speakers include: Actress Angela Bassett, Nobel Peace Laureate Nadia Murad, and “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer ’07.
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About Chapman University
Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university located in Southern California. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution and offers personalized education to more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. Based in the City of Orange, Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine.Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu.
Media Contact:
Molly Thrasher. Director of Public Relations | thrasher@chapman.edu | Mobile: 657-561-4359
Carly Murphy, Public Relations Coordinator | carmurphy@chapman.edu | Desk: 714-289-3196 | Mobile: 714-497-9683
