Conan O'Brien to deliver Harvard's commencement address

"Conan O'Brien is a singular and outstanding American humorist. His work, deeply rooted in close listening and keen observation, creates joyful connections between and among ideas and people."

"O'Brien first rose to prominence as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and later for "The Simpsons." After receiving an Emmy Award for his writing, O'Brien became the host of "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" in 1993, launching a late-night television career that would span nearly three decades."

"Beyond late-night television, O'Brien has expanded his audience through travel programs, such as "Conan Without Borders" and "Conan O'Brien Must Go," which has featured visits to countries including Armenia, Haiti, South Korea, and Ireland. His podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" has also become one of the most popular celebrity interview podcasts."

Conan O'Brien, a Harvard graduate from 1985 with a degree in history and literature, will serve as the university's commencement speaker on May 28 and receive an honorary degree. O'Brien, who served as president of the Harvard Lampoon during his time on campus, has built a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in late-night television, beginning with "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" in 1993. His work has expanded beyond television to include travel programs like "Conan Without Borders" and "Conan O'Brien Must Go," as well as a popular podcast featuring celebrity interviews. In 2025, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Harvard President Alan M. Garber praised O'Brien as an outstanding American humorist whose work creates meaningful connections through close listening and keen observation.

Read at Boston.com