Film & Television
More Like ThisActors. Screenwriters. Producers. Production Designers. Costume Designers. Directors.
Did you know College of Fine Arts alumni are working in all corners of the entertainment industry? Or that Boston University has been called “Hollywood’s secret training ground” for women in the industry? Or that it’s just not a rare occurrence for BU alums to collaborate on projects? Learn more from these stories of our incredible alums!
To Boldly Go
Actor Michelle Hurd (CFA’88) on Star Trek, Law & Order, and continuing her father’s fight for equity in Hollywood.
Complex Characters
Jason Alexander’s (CFA’81, Hon.’95) Seinfeld role cemented him in pop culture. Now he’s busy acting on screen and stage, directing, and podcasting.
From Acting Days at BU to Bringing a Netflix Series to Life
Actor Emily Deschanel (CFA’98) and screenwriter Daria Polatin (CFA’00) reflect on their days in BU School of Theatre, and collaborating on the Netflix limited series Devil in Ohio, a drama based on Polatin’s debut YA novel, starring Deschanel.
BU was such a great artistic playground to be in during that period.
Running the Show
In an industry dominated by men, women are changing the culture. Tanya Saracho (CFA’98) and Krista Vernoff (CFA’93) are game-changing showrunners, and fierce advocates for expanding the realm of whose stories we tell.
How Uzo Aduba Became Queen of the Small Screen
Actor Uzo Aduba (CFA’05), who studied voice performance at CFA, has always stayed true to her artistry—even when the industry tried to convince her to do otherwise. Read more in Backstage Magazine.
Geena Davis, Leading the Fight for Gender Equity in Hollywood
Long before the #MeToo movement, the Oscar winner, BU alum, and recent GLOW star founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
Crafting Magical Worlds
Production designer and CFA alum Rick Heinrichs (CFA’76) has overseen the creation of some of cinema’s most iconic places, from Gotham City to Halloween Town to a galaxy far, far away.
The Real Thing
Actor Russell Hornsby (CFA’96) brings complexity and grace to his roles, and will dive deep in search of and service to the characters he embodies.
Changing Minds
Good cop, bad cop, superhero. Michael Chiklis (CFA’85) discusses how he reinvented himself to stay on top in a fickle business.
[Rehearsals at BU] were where I learned the most. At rehearsals, we were exchanging ideas—students from all over the country, from every race, creed, and walk of life. The truth is, we would go at it. Everyone was super opinionated and we discussed and argued about the shows.
BU just opened my mind to so many things, so many people. It made me think, ‘Wow, there’s just so much to know.’
CFA Alums Team Up in The Lion King
Actor Alfre Woodard (CFA’74, Hon.’04) and producer John Bartnicki (BUTI’02, CFA’07) discuss their roles in the live-action remake of a Disney classic.
Queens of Funny-Sad
Actor-writers Michaela Watkins (CFA’94) and Boo Killebrew (CFA’03) talk creative hang-ups, bold writing, and funny tragedies
True Life Drama
Grey’s Anatomy actor Kim Raver (CFA’91) on the hit show’s COVID-19 story line, filming in PPE, and honoring healthcare workers
Real TV
Unscripted television pioneer Brooke Karzen (CFA’84) helps bring hits like The Bachelor and The Voice to American screens.
Producing in Hollywood
Lizzy Rich (CFA’14), who serves as the chair of the young alumni council for Boston University, talks about her role at Pascal Pictures, the production company behind hit films including Little Women and the Tom Holland Spider-Man series, and starting a mentorship program with CFA.
Acting Dreams
Since graduating from BU, Camaron Engels (CFA’17) has been making his way in Hollywood, appearing in television shows and films like R#J, Clickbait, Black-ish, Malibu Rescue: The Next Wave and American Pie Presents: Girls’ Rules.
My Life in Five Outfits
Raissa Bretaña (CFA’13) studied costume design at CFA, and now examines history through a fashion lens, while taking some time on the side to fact-check the wardrobes of popular television series, including Bridgerton and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
BU: The Secret Training Ground for Women in Hollywood
…at least according to The Hollywood Reporter! Dozens of top executives, actors, and creatives call BU their alma mater, and their trailblazing work has created space for more gender diversity in the industry.
Marisa Tomei
