John Malkovich is SCAD Commencement Speaker
Actor John Malkovich will address members of SCAD’s 2017 graduating class this Saturday. The 63-year-old thespian, fashion designer and sometimes model will speak in Savannah for the 9 a.m. ceremony at the Savannah Civic Center and again at the 6 p.m. ceremony in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center, according to the University commencement website.
The Class of 2017 is SCAD’s largest graduating class in its 39-year history. As has come to be expected, commencement comes with all the glitz and high production values of a typical SCAD event. The morning ceremony concludes with a so-called “WOW Moment” that has in the past included a confetti pop, light show, live musical performances and dancers.
SCAD is known for bringing big-name speakers to headline its graduation ceremonies. Speakers in recent years include actors James Cromwell, Whoopi Goldberg and Glenn Close.
Malkovich is best known for his roles in “Dangerous Liaisons” and “Being John Malkovich.” He has been nominated twice for an Academy Award and three times for a Golden Globe. His 2008 appearance on Saturday Night Live, where he read a bluntly honest Christmas bedtime story to children, underscored his trademark dark delivery style. SCAD will be the actor’s first commencement ceremony addresses.
Most recently, Malkovich made headlines for launching his own fashion line. A menswear label that is actually designed by the actor, Vanity Fair called it “somewhat surprising and refreshing departure from all-too-common celebrity/designer collaborations.”
Want to see Malkovich speak? Well, it is probably too late. Graduation tickets are rationed only to graduating seniors and their families, and they are the hottest ticket in town.
