Steve Carell Brings Dance and Wisdom to Northwestern’s 2025 Graduation

Actor and comedian Steve Carell brought an unexpected twist to Northwestern University’s 2025 commencement ceremony — by turning the moment into a lively dance party.

During his speech on Sunday in Chicago, the beloved star of The Office paused the formalities and asked graduates and attendees to stand for what he playfully named a “mid-commencement dance break.” A video of the moment has since made waves on social media.

Carell joined the Dean of the School of Communication, E. Patrick Johnson, on stage for the impromptu boogie while the upbeat track "That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings played in the background, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Not stopping there, Carell leapt off the stage and joined graduates in the aisles, high-fiving students and showing off some energetic — if unpolished — dance moves.

“That was energizing… and slightly terrifying,” he joked breathlessly as he returned to the podium. “Clearly, I need to work out more.”

Though not a Northwestern alum himself, Carell’s connection to the city runs deep. He once performed with Chicago’s famous Second City troupe after earning his degree from Denison University in Ohio.

The dance break added humor to his speech, but Carell didn’t shy away from addressing the emotional weight many young people carry today.

“I see the struggles you’ve faced in your short lives,” he said. “The uncertainty, the fear — it’s heartbreaking. You’ve endured more than your share already.”

He urged graduates to hold onto kindness and community: “Be there for one another. Remember that you’re not alone.”

Currently, Carell is starring in Netflix’s The Four Seasons reboot and HBO’s series Mountainhead. (HBO and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.)

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