On April 29, 2026, Academy Award-winning actor and advocate Geena Davis brought energy, humor, and deep industry insight to the University of Mount Union as the featured speaker for the 2026 Schooler Lecture. Addressing a near-capacity audience of students, alumni, and community members at the Timken Gymnasium, Davis shared candid reflections from her five-decade career and her systemic work to improve media equity.
The discussion, moderated by Mount Union theatre professor Kevin Kern, opened with a look back at the enduring cultural footprint of Thelma & Louise. “It was a pretty small movie for the time, and we never thought it would become what it has,” Davis noted, reflecting on the film’s lasting impact on society. “I have a friend for life in Susan [Sarandon].”
Navigating Five Decades of Hollywood and Advocacy
Throughout the evening, Davis traced her trajectory through a portfolio of cinematic classics—including A League of Their Own, Beetlejuice, and The Fly. A recurring theme of the night was professional resilience, which Davis illustrated with a memory from her Academy Award win for The Accidental Tourist.
“I remember watching The Oprah Winfrey Show the day of the Oscars, and they had film critics on to talk about the awards. I was the only one who they said had no chance to win,” Davis recalled. “So when my name was called, I was really surprised and elated.”
Beyond her acting accolades, Davis discussed the personal journey detailed in her memoir, Dying of Politeness, and her pivot into data-driven media advocacy. As the founder of the Geena Davis Institute, she emphasized the organization’s ongoing mission to collaborate with creators and executives to significantly increase authentic representation of marginalized communities on screen.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Storytellers
The conversation struck a particularly meaningful chord during a Q&A session with Mount Union theatre students. When asked how aspiring artists can navigate systemic hurdles and personal adversity in the entertainment sector, Davis offered grounded advice.
“It’s certainly not always easy, but you have to keep persevering and knowing what feels right to you as you go throughout your career,” Davis said.
Closing the evening with a look toward the future, Davis highlighted her latest creative project, The Boroughs, a supernatural mystery series debuting May 21 on Netflix. The announcement was met with a resounding standing ovation from the crowd, capping off an evening defined by a shared commitment to storytelling that respects and reflects the true diversity of the human experience.
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