Academy Award-winning actress Helen Mirren will deliver the keynote address to graduates at Tulane University’s 2017 Commencement on May 20, in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
She will also receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.
Mirren has starred in roles ranging from real-life heroine Maria Altman in “Woman in Gold” to the voice of Dean Hardscrabble in “Monsters University.” She won an Oscar in 2007 for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in “The Queen.”
“We are thrilled to have one the most-acclaimed and beloved actresses of all time share her wisdom and wit with our graduates,” Tulane University President Mike Fitts said. “We have had presidents, authors, comedians and even the Dalai Lama as commencement speakers, but never the Queen.”
Mirren has starred in nearly 40 plays, 57 films and 28 television shows. In 2003 she was appointed a Dame of the British Empire.
"I am very proud and happy to be receiving a doctorate from Tulane and look forward to giving the commencement speech. I have had a long and very passionate affair with New Orleans, and this will make my relationship official!”