Tom Hanks, 66, is appointed as the principal speaker of the 372nd graduation ceremony at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts on May 25.
“A true master of his craft, Tom Hanks has given life to some of the most compelling, beloved, and iconic characters on the screen,” Harvard president Larry Bacow announced. “Over five decades, he has entertained, enlightened, and befriended us. He has made us laugh, cry, question, and think.”
Hanks studied theatre at Chabot, a community college in the bay area of California, and transferred to California State University, Sacramento. Never earning a degree, the star paused his studies to pursue his true calling with an internship at the Great Lakes Theatre Festival in Cleveland. He will be granted an honorary degree as a component of his appearance at Harvard’s commencement, according to a Harvard press release.
“In addition to his brilliance as an actor, Tom has demonstrated both an innate empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition,” Bacow continued. “He has contributed to our national culture and expanded our ability to appreciate stories and histories that have been previously unexamined. I very much look forward to his address in May.”
Recent Harvard commencement speakers include Steven Spielberg, who Hanks has joined forces with on several films, including Catch Me If You Can, Saving Private Ryan, and Bridge of Spies.
“I wrestle with authenticity,” Hanks has admitted. “I wrestle with the difference between lying for a living as an actor and lying to myself as a human being.”
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