Ronny Chieng, an Emmy-winning comedian and actor known for his political satire and observational humor, has been named Harvard’s Class Day speaker for 2026, the University announced Friday. Chieng will address the graduating senior class at the 2 p.m. event on May 27 in Tercentenary Theatre, in an event that will also be livestreamed and include award presentations and student orations.
“We are excited to welcome Ronny Chieng as our Class Day speaker,” said Charisma Chen ’26, first marshal of the 2026 Class Committee, in a University press release. “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.”
Chieng is known for his work across television, stand-up comedy, and film. He is a correspondent and rotating host for The Daily Show, and won an Emmy Award with the program in 2024. He has released three stand-up comedy specials on Netflix: “Asian Comedian Destroys America” (2019), “Speakeasy” (2022), and “Love to Hate It” (2024).
In his comedy, Chieng “brings a perspective that is sharp, funny, and unafraid to ask hard questions,” Mohan Hathi ’26, second marshal of the 2026 Class Committee, said in a University statement. “[That] makes him a compelling speaker as we reflect on our years at Harvard and look ahead to the future.”
As an actor, Chieng’s film credits include Crazy Rich Asians, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and M3GAN. On television, he has appeared in the shows Doogie Kamealoha, M.D, Young Rock, and Interior Chinatown. He is currently starring in The Miniature Wife on Peacock, with Matthew McFadyen and Elizabeth Banks.
Chieng was born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore and New Hampshire; he graduated from the University of Melbourne before starting his comedy career in Australia. He moved to New York in 2015 to join The Daily Show.
