Steve Carell Delivers Hilarious Northwestern Speech, Breaks Into Mid-Speech Dance [WATCH]

Actor and comedian Steve Carell delivered the commencement address for Northwestern University’s Class of 2025 during its graduation ceremony held at the United Center in Chicago on June 15.

The event marked the university’s 167th annual commencement, as reported by Fox 32 Chicago.

More than 2,500 graduates were in attendance, along with friends, family, and faculty, as Carell took the stage to share advice, encouragement, and a bit of humor.

“I’d like to talk about something quite simple, something that is important to me, and something that I believe we need more of in the world. My topic this morning is #kindness. So please just shut up and listen.”

Actor Steve Carell in his commencement speech at Northwestern… pic.twitter.com/3IYDcSQ8oU

— Mark C. Crowley (@MarkCCrowley) June 16, 2025

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In the middle of his speech, Carell broke into a brief dance to The Ting Tings’ 2008 hit “That’s Not My Name,” drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

Turned the United Center into Cafe Disco

Thank you to Steve Carell for his #NU2025 Commencement address—complete with a mid-speech dance break! pic.twitter.com/ij9yZeSfVU

— Northwestern (@NorthwesternU) June 16, 2025

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Carell used the occasion to offer life lessons to the graduates, emphasizing the value of humility and self-awareness. “Kindness isn’t a weakness—it is a very potent strength,” he said.

Steve Carell’s message to the class of 2025 at Northwestern University:
Be kind(er) to each other pic.twitter.com/3xn4uuSQeH

— Alvin Foo (@alvinfoo) June 18, 2025

He also urged the graduates to channel insecurity into constructive ambition, telling them to “turn your jealousy into admiration and use it to fuel your ambition in a positive way.”

Steve Carell at @NorthwesternU: “It is time now to follow me in the mid-commencement address dance break.” pic.twitter.com/dMz5NNE07y

— CSPAN (@cspan) June 18, 2025

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Carell was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree by Northwestern University. Three other individuals also received honorary degrees during the ceremony.

The 2025 ceremony was the second consecutive commencement held at the United Center, a venue more commonly associated with professional sports and concerts.

University officials selected the location to accommodate the large number of attendees and provide a more accessible environment for graduates and their families.

Carell, a Massachusetts native, is best known for his role as Michael Scott on NBC’s “The Office” and has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations throughout his career. He is an alumnus of Denison University in Ohio.

The ceremony concluded with the conferring of degrees to the undergraduate and graduate students, followed by a formal recessional.

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