curtis armstrong, talk, theatre, acting, cinema studies
January 14, 2019
Actor, producer, writer and OU alum Curtis Armstrong, a 1975 graduate of Oakland University’s Academy of Dramatic Art, will be back on campus on Thursday, February 7 for “An Evening with Curtis Armstrong.” It will be a public speaking engagement for the community highlighting his acting career and his Oakland University memories. He will also host a book signing.
The event, scheduled for 7 p.m., in the Founders Ballrooms of the Oakland Center, is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and guests must register to attend.
During the day, Armstrong has graciously agreed to spend time with students, including afternoon visits to the “80’s in Film” class with Professor Kyle Edwards from Cinema Studies and holding a Q&A with other Theatre and Cinema Studies majors.
In addition to his public talk and visit with students, Armstrong will finalize plans for the donation of his personal collection of papers and career memorabilia to the Oakland University archives. These items include photographs, scripts, character biographies, journals, letters and audiovisual materials he has accumulated during his 40-year professional career. Much of his collection will be cataloged, preserved, digitized and made available to the public.
“We are very fortunate to have an alum like Curtis who cares about his alma mater and wants to share these valuable resources with us,” said Stephen Weiter, dean, University Libraries. “He has had an outstanding career in front of and behind the camera and having his personal collection in our archives is a major addition that will benefit OU students, fans and entertainment industry scholars alike.”
Probably best known for his acting roles in “Risky Business,” “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, “Moonlighting,” “Supernatural,” and “New Girl,” Armstrong has more than 150 credits listed on his IMDB profile.
In 2017, Armstrong wrote his autobiography, "Revenge of the Nerd: Or...the Singular Adventures of the Man Who Would Be Booger.”
He has been celebrated on campus in the past with the 2009 Oakland University Music, Theatre and Dance Alumni Achievement (MATILDA) Award and was designated as an OU Prominent Alum in 2016.
Armstrong last visited Oakland University while he was writing his memoir prior to its release in 2017. In the book, he talks highly of his OU experience and the training he received here that led to his future career success in theater, film, television and writing.
Armstrong, now living in California, grew up in Berkley, Michigan and still has family in the area.