MU to Award Honorary Degree to Actor Robert Loggia

December 1st, 2011

COLUMBIA, Mo. – For his exceptional work within the field of acting, University of Missouri officials will present Robert Loggia with an honorary degree during the Fall 2011 Honors Commencement Ceremony.

Loggia is known worldwide for his success on the big screen as a supporting actor. Being featured in more than 100 movies throughout his lifetime, he has been dubbed “one of the most respected and admired actors of our generation.” Since his first movie, “Somebody Up There Likes Me” in 1956, he has been nominated for numerous Emmy Awards and an Academy Award for “Best Supporting Actor” for his role in “Jagged Edge.”

“Robert Loggia’s career as major supporting actor in American film and television is second to none,” said Clyde Ruffin, Chair of the MU Department of Theatre. “He is truly one of our most distinguished University of Missouri alumni.”

Loggia, who graduated from the MU School of Journalism in 1951, joined the Armed Forces after graduation and served for four years. After returning, Loggia went on to become one of Stella Adler’s best students at her acting studio in New York.

After Loggia left Stella Adler’s Studio of Acting, he landed his first big role in a Broadway musical, “The Man with the Golden Arm,” in 1955. Loggia’s acting career never faded from there as he has acted in some of Hollywood’s most famous movies including “Independence Day,” “Scarface,” “Gladiator,” “Big” and “Necessary Roughness.”

Loggia’s career doesn’t end on the big screen, as he has been featured in numerous television shows such as “Magnum, P.I.,” “The Sopranos,” “Touched by an Angel” and “Malcolm in the Middle,” for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Honorary degrees are awarded to graduates or former students who have achieved distinction. Degrees also are awarded to people who have rendered distinctive services to the state or university, as well as people of high distinction from around the world.

Loggia will receive his degree and speak at the Honors Commencement Ceremony at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 17 in Jesse Auditorium on the MU campus.