Vin Diesel can now call himself a college graduate. The Fast and Furious actor was awarded an honorary PhD from Hunter College in New York on Wednesday, nearly 30-years after dropping out of the university.
The ceremony took place at the historic Radio City Music Hall, and the honor officially makes him a Doctor of Human Letters in English.
College grad: Vin Diesel got award an honorary PhD from Hunter College in New York Wednesday, nearly 30-years after dropping out to go to Hollywood
Dr. Vin: honorary PhD made Diesel a Doctor of Humane Letters in English.
Vin Diesel looked every bit the college grad by wearing a traditional robe. He paired the outfit some light colored pants, dark boots and sported a movie star touch of dark sunglasses.
But the thing that stood out the most on this day: that big beaming smile. Dr. Diesel was over the moon with joy.
During his commence speech he talked about the lasting impact the college has had on him: ‘While I was in Hollywood I always had this pride of Hunter College. I would tell everybody that I learned and took so much away from my experience at Hunter College.’
Diesel added, ‘I was young, I was a bouncer, when I wasn’t bouncing I was in these classrooms with the most diverse student body on the planet.’
College pride: The Fast and Furious actor actor gave praise to Hunter College, and the impact it had on his life, during his commencement speech
Hollywood calling: Vin Diesel on how Hunter College prepared him for Hollywood. ‘We’re strivers. We can overcome anything. You learn that here and you take into the world.’
Following your dreams! Diesel dropped out of college after three years to try his hand at acting.
He even touched on the lack of diversity in Hollywood and the impact that it had on a multi-cultural kid like himself: ‘We’re strivers. We can overcome anything. You learn that here and you take into the world. And then you can look at Hollywood and change the face of Hollywood.’
Diesel, whose real name is Mark Sinclair, left the university – and his English degree – after three years, in the hopes of making it as an actor.
And we all know how that turned out. Diesel went on to achieve mega-success in Hollywood, with hits like the Fast and Furious franchise, The Chronicles of Riddick series and the xXx series.
The Alameda County, California native has three children with Mexican model Paloma Jiminez.
College Pride! Diesel was overjoyed with his honorary PhD from Hunter College in New York
Strike a pose: Diesel flashed his action-hero smirk at the premiere of The Chronicles of Riddick in London back in August of 2004