In the 1988 cult classic “Beetlejuice,” saying the titular character’s name three times summons him. At Harvard University, however, a single pudding pot is enough to conjure Michael Keaton.
On February 6, Keaton was honored as The Hasty Pudding Theatrical’s 59th Man of the Year, joining the ranks of past recipients like Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, and Robert De Niro. As tradition dictates, part of his initiation included a roast. Admitting he was “a little nervous about this part,” the comedian-turned-dramatic actor took each movie-inspired jab, delivered by students Cate Schwarz ‘27 and Ellie Tunnell ‘27, in stride. He credited his “thick skin” to growing up as the youngest of seven children.
One standout target was “Batman.” Keaton stepped back into the Batsuit in pursuit of the elusive Academy Award, one he was nominated for in 2014 for “Birdman,” but did not win. He sword-fought an Oscar, eventually winning the duel.
His 2016 film “The Founder,” about Ray Kroc, the ruthless businessman behind McDonald’s, was also skewered. Harvard flipped the script on Keaton and made him “The Employee,” having him flip burgers and field customer complaints, at one point literally biting off more than he could chew from a 10-plus-patty burger.
An avid fly fisher, Keaton was further tested when fishing lines were dropped into the orchestra pit. A good sports(man), he reeled in a pudding pot, along with a bespoke Batman bra and a pair of tighty-whities, both of which he happily put on.
In his acceptance speech, Keaton revealed that he had been chasing the honor ever since a filming conflict forced him to decline it 30 years ago. He joked that it took three decades for the offer to come around again. “Not too hasty,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He then struck a more heartfelt note. “Based on all of the students I met today…I am ridiculously encouraged about this country.”
Following the roast, Keaton took time to speak to the press about the honor, his career, and his late friend and screen mate, Catherine O’Hara, who he praised as “brilliant” and acknowledged “what a nice woman she was.”
He went on to recall his film “Game 6,” in which he shared the screen with O’Hara. “I was doing this tiny little movie called “Game 6,” which is actually a really good little movie. It takes place in Boston,” he said. “Griffin [Dunne] and I were talking, and they hadn’t cast yet, and I said, ‘Hey, how about Catherine O’Hara play my ex-wife?’ And then he goes, ‘yeah, you think she’d do it?’ So I called her, and she came down, and I guess that was after the first ‘Beetlejuice.’”
Keaton capped off the celebration with a viewing of the premiere of Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.” On February 13, the organization will honor 2026 Golden-Globe winner, Rose Byrne, as Women of the Year.
Amelia Cordischi, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Juice Box Press, is an accomplished digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience in media and communications. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including The Boston Globe. A communications graduate of Simmons University in Boston, Amelia served as manager of Simmons College Radio (“The Shark”), where she also launched and co-hosted her radio show, The Find.
In addition to her editorial work, Amelia is an established freelance photographer, with bylines in Blended Magazine and CelebMix, capturing artists and cultural moments across the music and media landscape. Her career began at WCVB-TV’s Chronicle, the ABC affiliate in Boston, where she gained firsthand experience in broadcast journalism and storytelling.
When she’s not taking photos from the photo pit, interviewing emerging artists, or crafting the next Juice Box Press feature, Amelia can be found thrifting and exploring the world of sustainable fashion.