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Steve Carell Leads Dance Break and Urges Kindness at Northwestern Commencement

Carell received an honorary doctorate, drawing on lessons from improv classes at Northwestern to underscore empathy as a source of strength

Northwestern University Commencement speaker Steve Carell shares a dance moment during an impromptu dance break with School of Communication Dean, E. Patrick Johnson.
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Actor-comedian Steve Carell waves to graduates during Northwestern University’s commencement, June 15, 2025, at the United Center. University President Michael Schill is at left. Carell was the commencement speaker and is father of one of the graduates. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • At the United Center, Carell urged the class of 2025 to practice everyday kindness, describing it as a potent strength rather than a weakness.
  • He led a surprise mid-ceremony dance break to The Ting Tings’ “That’s Not My Name,” energizing more than 2,500 graduates, faculty and staff.
  • Reflecting on early improv lessons from Northwestern students, Carell advised graduates to channel jealousy into admiration to fuel positive ambition.
  • He stressed the importance of respectful listening and offered guidance on managing fears and anxieties as they transition into the wider world.
  • Carell received an honorary doctorate, symbolizing his personal and familial connections to the university and acknowledging his contributions to entertainment and improv.