Hank Azaria to Speak at Tufts Commencement

SOMERVILLE, MA - Actor, director and funny guy Hank Azaria will be returning to his alma mater Tufts University to deliver the commencement address on Sunday, May 22, the university announced Tuesday.

Azaria will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree at the ceremony.

Azaria completed his Tufts degree, with a major in drama, back in 1987, according to the university. In 1999, Azaria was given a Tufts’ Light on the Hill Award, which is the highest honor awarded by Tufts students to alumni.

Azaria has starred in hit movies including “The Birdcage” and “Pretty Woman,” he has also had recurring roles on Television shows including “Mad About You” and “Friends.” He currently appears on Showtime’s Ray Donovan and will star in The Public’s off-Broadway play Dry Powder directed by Thomas Kail, according to the university.

"Hank Azaria is truly a one-of-a-kind talent whose creativity has given pleasure to millions and demonstrated the power of the dramatic arts in our lives. We are proud to call him a Jumbo," Tufts University President Anthony P. Monaco said in the announcement. "We are delighted that he will come back to campus to address our graduates, their families and the university."

Photo courtesy of Tufts University