Katie Holmes Delivers a Beautiful, Personal Commencement Speech in Her Hometown
Katie Holmes is originally from Toledo, Ohio. This past weekend, Katie went back home to deliver a commencement speech to the graduates of the University of Toledo—and Katie channeled some sweet and surprisingly personal advice to the teens about to embark on their own adventures.


Katie Holmes is originally from the Toledo, Ohio area, and one of the things I adore about her as an actress is that she brings that normal, girl next door vibe to her performances. This past weekend, Katie went back home to deliver a commencement speech to the graduates of the University of Toledo—and Katie channeled some sweet and surprisingly personal advice to the teens about to embark on their own adventures.
The Toledo Blade had some excerpts from Katie's speech: She spoke a bit about growing up in Ohio (including being coached middle school basketball by her dad), making it as an actress at an early age, and her advice on what the students should do with their big life dreams.
She spoke lovingly about her parents being supportive of her dreams, specifically when she became discouraged as a young actress. "My mom saw the look on my face, which was pretty deflated, and she ushered me out of there...Kate, don’t worry. You have nothing to be ashamed about," she said. "You are you and you are who you are and you are from where you’re from. Go in, have fun, and be yourself. The next audition I had, I nailed."
In turn, she said she wanted to be that resource for others. "If you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. I’m going to be that basketball coach and that producer and that big brother to you all and tell you that you are the person who is going to go out there and make things happen. That’s a terrifying and amazing responsibility but you deserve joy. Not in 10 years, but now."
"Do the best you can with what you have to work with, because you all have a lot to work with—more than you may know," she said. She added, potentially alluding to her own wild, precious life: "You’ve all been through a lot, you’ve had your own wild and precious lives, and may have been kicked around a little and learned how tough life can be."
It also looks like Katie took a picture while she was onstage, which I love, saying it was a "true honor" to deliver the speech:
A post shared by Katie Holmes (@katieholmes)
A photo posted by on
Katie apparently made a whole trip of it, visiting the Toledo Museum of Art:
A post shared by Katie Holmes (@katieholmes)
A photo posted by on
And even learning the art of glass-blowing while she was there:
A post shared by Katie Holmes (@katieholmes)
A photo posted by on
This looks like such a nice blast from the past for the actress. She also received an honorary degree of humane letters during the ceremony, so it must have meant a lot to her too.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge's Favorite Foundation is On Sale Right Now at Sephora
There's no better time to try them than now.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks
Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
Meg Bellamy of ‘The Crown’ Was Nervous to Recreate Kate Middleton’s Iconic Charity Fashion Show Walk
“I would love her to think fondly of it.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors