Portlandia star and Saturday Night Live cast member, Fred Armisen gave Oregon Episcopal School‘s graduation address this past Friday.
Recognizing Armisen’s popular television show, “Portlandia,” “Graduating seniors all put bird pins on their caps and gowns and wore black plastic glasses to honor Armisen, whose show featured an episode in which he and co-star Carrie Brownstein ‘put a bird on it’ to create oddball art.”(PT)
Moving between the serious and comedic, Armisen covered serious ground-always with a grain of salt and a laugh.
Reflecting on his lack of early success in pursuing male modeling, “Avoid people who tell you that something you want to do is not possible. You can all be male models- every single one of you even the girls,” he told students.(Video)
On a serious note, I liked his observation about finding a different venue for what you want to do.
“Keep in mind that there are always other venues- in every field. You don’t have to put yourself in a situation where you need someone else’s approval. Take stand up comedy as an example. Now, this is true. I performed at laundrymat a few times because I couldn’t get into the established clubs,” Armisen told of his early days.(Video)
“You don’t have to be defined by your work…You will naturally gravitate to things that will make you happy,” Armisen offered in finding that elusive balance.(PT)
