EVANSTON - George Newbern, Northwestern University alumnus starring in ABC’s hit series “Scandal,” will return to campus to serve as the Grand Marshal for the Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally Friday, Oct. 21.
Sir Fraser Stoddart, winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, will also appear in the parade.
Open to the public, Northwestern’s 2016 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend festivities will take place Oct. 20 to 23.
After graduating from Northwestern’s School of Communication in 1986, Newbern earned the national spotlight for his role as Bryan MacKenzie in the 1991 film “Father of the Bride” and its sequel. He co-starred with Northwestern alumna Kimberly Williams-Paisley, a 1993 graduate of the School of Communication.
A professional actor and director, Newbern got his start in theater through Northwestern student-run productions “Waa-Mu” and “The Dolphin Show.” He starred in Northwestern productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Pippin” and “West Side Story.”
Newbern’s TV acting credits include “Friends” (Danny, the Yeti), “Scandal” (Charlie), “Nip/Tuck” (Dr. Curtis Ryerson) and “Designing Women” (Julia’s son, Payne). He also provided the voice of Superman in the animated series “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited.”
Newbern is married to actress Marietta DePrima, who also graduated from the School of Communication in 1986. DePrima has appeared in “Boston Legal,” “The Hughleys,” “Party of Five” and “Matlock,” among other television shows. The couple has three children.
Led by Newbern, the Homecoming Parade will begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Lincoln Street and proceed south to Chicago Avenue. The Homecoming Pep Rally will follow at 6:45 p.m. at Deering Meadow on Northwestern’s Evanston campus (rain location: Cahn Auditorium).
A selection of Homecoming and Reunion Weekend events open to the public follows. For a full schedule of events, visit the Northwestern Homecoming website and the Northwestern Alumni Association website.