'Sex and the City' star to give commencement address
Kristin Davis, best known for her role as Charlotte York in the HBO series “Sex and the City” and its revival “And Just Like That…,” will deliver the CU Boulder spring 2026 commencement ceremony address.
If you go
Who: Free and open to the public
What: Commencement 2026 address
When: Saturday, May 2, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Folsom Stadium
The university commencement ceremony is set for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Folsom Field.
“I’m honored to return to Boulder, where I was born, to help celebrate CU Boulder’s 150th year and to join graduates at such a meaningful moment in their lives,” Davis said. “Commencement is about reflection, possibility and the courage to take the next step, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that moment with the Class of 2026.”
Davis, who was born in Boulder and whose father was a CU Boulder psychology professor and her mother a CU alum, has been recognized for her work in television, film and stage, and her advocacy for humanitarian and environmental issues.
"We are pleased to welcome Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor Kristin Davis back to Boulder to share her story," said Chancellor Justin Schwartz. "Her career reflects creativity, resilience and a deep commitment to making a difference beyond the screen—a message that will resonate with the Class of 2026.”
Davis has also starred in feature films including “Couples Retreat” opposite Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, “Deck the Halls,” “The Shaggy Dog,” “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island” and Robert Rodriguez’s children’s adventure “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D.”
Prior to “Sex and the City,” she starred as the devious Brooke Armstrong in the pop culture phenomenon “Melrose Place.” Her additional television credits include the TNT original movie “The Winning Season,” co-starring Matthew Modine, as well as guest-starring roles on other iconic shows including “Will & Grace,” “Seinfeld,” “Friends,” “ER” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” In 2012 she executive produced and starred in the award-winning Lifetime original movie “Of Two Minds.” In 2016, she starred opposite Shirley MacLaine and Eric McCormack in Hallmark’s Hall of Fame, “A Heavenly Christmas.” She also has extensive theater credits including playing the role of Beth Gallagher in the stage production of “Fatal Attraction” in London's West End and a run on Broadway in Gore Vidal’s Tony Award-nominated iconic play “The Best Man”.
“Going into the 150th anniversary of CU, we knew we wanted a speaker that reflected this momentous occasion,” said Ally Young, Senior Class Council director. “It is always our priority to bring a speaker that will excite students and provide a unique perspective while also having a strong connection to CU and the Boulder community. Senior Class Council is beyond excited to bring Kristin Davis to campus to deliver the 2026 commencement address."
An active philanthropist, Davis has worked to raise awareness to the plight of elephants and to stop illegal poaching for ivory before elephants become extinct in the wild. In 2014, she produced and financed the documentary “Gardeners of Eden” about the work Sheldrick Wildlife Trust does to help the elephants in the fight to save them from extinction. In September 2023, she was honored with The Perfect World Foundation Award for her significant contribution to the conservation of the planet’s wildlife and nature by increasing global awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Davis was selected by the Senior Class Council, which works throughout the academic year to identify a commencement speaker who will inspire graduates as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives.
The May 2 university commencement ceremony is free and open to the public, and tickets are not required.