Actor and Comedian Steve Lemme ’87 to Address Fountain Valley School Graduates
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Actor and Comedian Steve Lemme ’87 to Address Fountain Valley School Graduates
Steve Lemme '87 (second from left) photographed with Margot Miller, Annie Ferry & Courtney Touw their sophomore year at FVS
Fountain Valley School will welcome back one of its own this weekend as comedian, actor, filmmaker, and alumnus Steve Lemme delivers the keynote address at the School’s 96th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23.
A member of the Class of 1987, Lemme has built a career around storytelling and comedy as a founding member of the Broken Lizard comedy troupe. He is widely recognized for his work in cult-favorite films including Super Troopers, Beerfest, and The Dukes of Hazzard, as well as the television series Tacoma FD. The newest installment in the franchise, Super Troopers 3, is scheduled for release on August 7, 2026.
For the Fountain Valley community, Lemme’s return carries a deeper meaning than celebrity. His connection to the School — and to the lessons he learned here — has shaped much of his story.
Lemme '87 addressing the Class of 2007 during Commencement
When Lemme addressed Commencement in 2007, he spoke candidly about his rocky academic start at FVS, joking with the audience as he read aloud from his own transcript and mocked his early grades. But underneath the humor was a message that resonated deeply with students: anything is possible.
Lemme often describes his academic turnaround as the moment his life changed direction. “All in all, it was a jump of 37 grade points,” he told graduates in 2007. “And now I’m delivering the commencement speech! I am living proof that anything is possible.”
After graduating from Fountain Valley School, Lemme attended Colgate University, where he helped form the Broken Lizard Comedy Group alongside fellow students. That collaboration ultimately launched a decades-long film and television career.
Head of School Megan Harlan said Lemme embodies many of the qualities the School hopes to inspire in students: resilience, authenticity, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks.
“Steve has shown us that success and joy belong together,” Harlan said. “At a time when the world can feel especially heavy, he has built a career and a life around bringing people together through laughter.”
This year’s ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on the Prairie Campus and will also be live streamed on the FVS YouTube Channel.