Josh Meyers (C98) to be 2026 SoC Convocation speaker

The School of Communication is thrilled to announce that the 2026 Convocation speaker is actor, comedian, and podcaster Josh Meyers (C98). 

“I’m incredibly honored for this opportunity,” he said. “And as a nostalgic person, I get very emotional about my time at Northwestern. So much so, that I inevitably cry when I’m there. So, I hope you like crying!”

Lucky for the Class of 2026, it will be crying from laughter.

Meyers, who honed his comedic chops with The Mee-Ow Show, is at the helm of two podcasts: Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers alongside sibling Seth Meyers (C96, H16), a celebrity interview show where they mull over childhood vacations and misadventures; and California Now, a travel show in which he interviews experts and tours towns searching for hidden gems and excursions unique to the Golden State. He has a recurring role on Jimmy Kimmel Live! playing California Governor Gavin Newsom—albeit a version that is less politically savvy and more surfer bro.

Meyers was a series regular on sketch comedy show MADtv, hired alongside his then-roommate Ike Barinholtz and with the guidance of cast member Nicole Sullivan (C91). He played Randy on the final season of That 70s Show and Barry on Amazon’s Red Oaks. Stage credits include Firefighter Phineas and the voices of Conky, Clocky, Randy, a Fish, a Flower, and the ShamWow in The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway.

The consummate ‘Cat, Meyers was born in Evanston Hospital to two Northwestern alumni and majored in interdisciplinary studies in speech two years after brother Seth went the radio/television/film route. Upon graduating, Meyers landed a spot with the Amsterdam-based improv and comedy outfit Boom Chicago (started by two Northwestern alumni), a stint that lasted nearly four years and resulted in writing and performing in hundreds of shows, including a run in London and three trips to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Upon his return to the U.S., it was a sketch show he wrote and performed with Barinholtz that landed them the MADtv gig. And Meyers hasn’t stopped since.

“I’m delighted that Josh has accepted my invitation to address our 2026 graduates,” said E. Patrick Johnson, dean of the School of Communication. “With humor and heart, he so deftly demonstrates what it means to have success and longevity in the creative industries. Josh leveraged the knowledge gleaned from his Northwestern education to excel across mediums, and he continues to evolve as the entertainment landscape changes. And, not to be outdone, he’s hilarious, and we could use a little laughter right now!”

The School of Communication 2026 Convocation will take place on Saturday, June 13 at 9 a.m. at the Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston. This is a ticketed event for graduates and their loved ones, but a livestream will be available for viewing the ceremony online.