Archival articles on Harvard in the entertainment and comedy industries

Three articles from Harvard Magazine’s archives explore the roles Harvard alumni have played in the entertainment industry and their influence on comedy.

The July-August 1992 issue of <em>Harvard Magazine</em> featured Jim Downey and Al Franken on the set of "Saturday Night Live"

A new book by Rick Meyerowitz, Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead (reviewed in the November-December 2010 issue), explores the history and legacy of the National Lampoon, founded in 1970 by alumni of the Harvard Lampoon. Previous Harvard Magazine articles illuminated facets of the important roles that Harvard alumni have played in the entertainment industry. "The Harvard Powers of Hollywood" (September-October 1987) broke the story of the powerful influence that Harvard graduates were exercising in behind-the-lens functions in the  film and television businesses in Los Angeles. "Comic Sutra" (July-August 1992) explains how, beginning in the 1960s, Harvard graduates, many of them alumni of the Harvard Lampoon, transformed American humor via the National Lampoon magazine, Saturday Night Live, Spy magazine, Late Night with David Letterman, The Simpsons, and other comedic vehicles. "The Life of the Party" (September-October 1993) profiles Lampoon standout Douglas C. Kenney ’68, a co-founder of the National Lampoon and a screenwriter for the comedy films  Animal House and Caddyshack, who perished at age 33 under mysterious circumstances in Hawaii. All three were written by Harvard Magazine deputy editor Craig Lambert.

You might also like

Shakespeare’s Greatest Rival

Without Christopher Marlowe, there might not have been a Bard.

Bringing Korean Stories to Life

Composer Julia Riew writes the musicals she needed to see.

Matt Levine's Bloomberg Finance Column Makes Money Funny

Matt Levine’s spunky Bloomberg column

Most popular

How AI Is Reshaping Supply Chains

Harvard Kennedy School lecturer on using AI to strengthen supply chains

Why Harvard Needs International Students

An ed school professor on why global challenges demand global experiences

The Latest In Harvard’s Fight with the Trump Administration

Back-and-forth reports on settlement talks, new accusations from the government, and a reshuffling of two federal compliance offices

Explore More From Current Issue

Julie Riew, wearing a white dress, playing guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.

Bringing Korean Stories to Life

Composer Julia Riew writes the musicals she needed to see.

Vivian W. Rong sitting on bench outdoors.

Highlighting Harvard Magazine’s Fellows

The 2025-2026 Ledecky and Summer Undergraduate Fellows