Comedian Ronny Chieng Named Harvard College Class Day Speaker

Emmy award-winning comedian and actor Ronny Chieng will address the Harvard College Class of 2026 at Class Day on May 27, the Harvard Alumni Association announced Friday morning.

Chieng, a correspondent on The Daily Show, is known for his stand-up comedy, television work, and roles in films including “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” and “M3GAN.” He has also released several Netflix comedy specials.

First Marshal Charisma Chen ’26 said the Class Committee was “excited” to welcome Chieng to this year’s celebration.

“His incisive comedic take on current events and talent for turning everyday experiences into relatable stories will make for a memorable celebration for the Class of 2026,” Chen said in a press release.

Second Marshal Mohan Hathi ’26 said Chieng would bring a distinctive voice to the ceremony.

“Having Ronny Chieng join us is a real honor,” Hathi said in the release. “He brings a perspective that is sharp, funny, and unafraid to ask hard questions, which makes him a compelling speaker as we reflect on our years at Harvard and look ahead to the future.”

Chieng has worked across stand-up, television, and film. In addition to this work on “The Daily Show,” he has toured internationally and released three Netflix specials: “Asian Comedy Destroys America!,” Speakeasy,” and “Love to Hate It.”

Born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore and New Hampshire, Chieng graduated from the University of Melbourne with degrees in law and commerce before beginning his comedy career in Melbourne.

Chieng’s selection gives Harvard two graduation-week speakers from the world of comedy. Conan O’Brien ’85 is slated to address the University-wide Commencement ceremony the following day.

Class Day, held annually the day before Commencement, includes student orations, award presentations, and remarks from College leaders in addition to the invited speaker. This year’s ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on May 27 in Tercentenary Theatre and will be livestreamed.

The announcement came five days before the ceremony, later than Harvard’s typical Class Day speaker announcement window in late April or early May.

—Staff writer Sebastian B. Connolly can be reached at [email protected] or on Signal at sbc.23. Follow him on X @SebastianC4784.

—Staff writer Summer E. Rose can be reached at [email protected] or on Signal at ser.85. Follow her on X @summerellenrose.