On Sunday, Steve Carell delivered the commencement address for Northwestern University’s class of 2025. Sharing his wisdom and humor, Carell outlined valuable life lessons, using his own experiences and friendships as guideposts. His speech, which took place in front of a packed crowd in California, focused on the importance of kindness, drawing inspiration from his close friend and fellow comedian Stephen Colbert. The Steve Carell commencement speech at Northwestern University 2025 quickly became a highlight of the university’s annual ceremony.
Highlighting Kindness and Humor Through Personal Anecdotes
Carell was recognized with an honorary doctorate of the arts during the ceremony and began his address with a focus on the significance of compassion in the current world climate.
“kindness isn’t a weakness — it is a very potent strength.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
He reminded the assembled graduates to pay attention to life’s simple acts, assuring them of the power behind supportive communities.
“Remember the little things, like being kind and that you’re not alone,”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
“Take care of one another. Remember to laugh when you have the opportunity and to cry when necessary.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
Carell illustrated these points by referencing his own friendship with Stephen Colbert, a Northwestern University alum and host of The Late Show. He spoke warmly of Colbert’s influence and strengths as a performer, friend, and family man.
“I do know a famous, powerful person who is also kind,”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
“Stephen is a brilliant, wonderful person. Talented, generous, better than I am in almost every way. If he were here today, he’d probably be giving a better speech. An innovator, an icon, a family man, and friend. He is so wonderful in fact, that he makes me feel terrible about myself and I hate him very very much. Which brings me to my next topic, envy.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
Overcoming Envy and Channeling Ambitions
Carell urged graduates to reframe feelings of jealousy by using them as motivation, rather than as a deterrent. He emphasized that comparing oneself to others can undermine the unique gifts each individual possesses.
“Envy is an enemy of kindness and lack of belief in your own gifts. And what are you even envious of? A facade that another human being, say, Stephen Colbert creates for themselves. Turn your jealousy into admiration and use it to fuel your ambition in a positive way.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
Playful Advice and Engaging the Crowd
The speech continued with Carell offering humorous tips about navigating post-graduation life, especially in relation to parents’ emotional investment in their children’s futures. He joked about using parental guilt as leverage for personal benefit.
“And keep in mind that as badly as you feel about the state of the world, your parents probably feel worse. Use that, take advantage of that,”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
“Now is the perfect time to exploit your parents’ guilt and to emotionally blackmail them. They might even let you live in the basement for an extra six months.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
Midway through, Carell energized the ceremony with a spontaneous dance break set to The Ting Tings’ “That’s Not My Name.” Joined by School of Communications’ E. Patrick Johnson, he danced on stage before heading into the crowd, earning laughter and applause from students, parents, and faculty.
“That was as invigorating as it was disturbing,”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
“Wow, am I out of shape.”
—Steve Carell, Commencement Speaker
Charity Work Reflects His Speech’s Message
Carell’s advocacy for kindness is not limited to words. Recently, he partnered with Alice’s Kids, a charity focused on providing for children in need, to organize a free prom for more than 800 high school students in Los Angeles. These students, from several southern California schools, had seen their lives disrupted by wildfires that destroyed homes, businesses, and schools in neighborhoods like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
The wildfires resulted in the loss of at least 29 lives and upended the routines of both teachers and families. To ensure the high school rite of passage was not lost amidst the devastation, Alice’s Kids, with Carell’s backing, committed approximately $175,000 to cover prom tickets for affected students.
“Have fun. Enjoy the prom, and remember… this is Steve Carell. Take it easy, guys.”
—Steve Carell, Actor and Advocate
This charitable gesture brings to mind Carell’s fictional character, Michael Scott from The Office, who once made a promise to underprivileged students—a storyline remembered as “Scott’s Tots.” In contrast to the show’s plot, Carell’s involvement with Alice’s Kids ensured the commitment made to the students was fulfilled.
Carell’s actions and address at Northwestern University showcased a blend of humor, reflection, and a deeper message on compassion, envy, and community, resonating with the graduates, their families, and the wider audience.
Impact of Carell’s Message on the Graduates and Community
The speech left a powerful impression, not just for its humor and heart, but also for the way it connected personal anecdotes with broader societal challenges. By honoring Stephen Colbert and exemplifying generosity through his work with Alice’s Kids, Carell inspired graduates to lead with empathy and determination as they step into the next chapter of their lives. His comedic approach, paired with advice for navigating tough emotions and transitions, underscored the enduring impact of community support and genuine kindness in a world facing ongoing uncertainty.
As Northwestern University’s class of 2025 moves forward, the lessons from Steve Carell’s commencement speech at Northwestern University 2025 remain relevant: to recognize one’s strengths, to harness ambition responsibly, and to never underestimate the power of kindness—especially when delivered with a smile.
