The Jack Donaghy of '30 Rock' has been awarded with a special Doctor of Musical Arts accolade by Manhattan School of Music during a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 11.
- May 12, 2012
AceShowbiz - Alec Baldwin is bringing his sense of humor to a commencement ceremony. The "Rock of Ages" actor poked fun at his phone etiquette on Friday, May 11 as he delivered his speech before more than 300 Manhattan School of Music students at Riverside Church in New York City upon receiving his honorary doctorate.
To the amusement of the crowd, the 54-year-old actor whipped out his iPhone during his speech to call Jeff Ambersini, a childhood friend from Massapequa who is now an opera singer. On a more serious note, FOX 5 reported that he, together with Ambersini, told the graduating class of classical and jazz musicians to keep in mind that "the arts are important and the artists are truly valued."
Baldwin got the Doctor of Musical Arts degree, along with pianist Lang Lang, from the prestigious school for his contribution to the arts. It was his third honorary degree in the last few years. In addition to Montclair State, he also got a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from New York University. On Friday, he tweeted, "Commencement for the Manhattan School of Music. They gave The Old Man an honorary doctorate..."
Baldwin himself caught the headlines for his phone etiquette back in December 2011. The "30 Rock" star ranted on Twitter about being removed from an American Airlines flight for playing "Words with Friends" on his phone. It was said that the Hollywood actor "slammed" the bathroom door so loudly after flight attendants confronted him over his phone use.
