BREAKING: David Alan Grier (Class of ‘78) Declares Ultimate Loyalty to Michigan: “My father went to Michigan. I went to Michigan. Hopefully my daughter will go to Michigan — or she will be excommunicated.”
In a moment of humor, heart, and unmistakable Michigan pride, award-winning actor and comedian David Alan Grier, a proud alumnus from the Class of 1978, recently went viral after making a hilarious—and surprisingly emotional—statement about his deep-rooted loyalty to the University of Michigan.
Speaking at an alumni event in Los Angeles over the weekend, Grier shared stories from his time in Ann Arbor, reflecting on both his experiences as a drama student and the family legacy that shaped his path. “My father went to Michigan. I went to Michigan. Hopefully my daughter will go to Michigan — or she will be excommunicated,” he joked to a room full of roaring Wolverines fans. The crowd erupted in laughter, but underneath the punchline was something real: a multigenerational devotion to one of the most iconic public universities in the world.
A Legacy of Excellence and Pride
Grier, known for his standout work on television (In Living Color, The Carmichael Show, A Soldier’s Play) and Broadway, credits Michigan with not only training him as an artist but shaping his worldview. “Michigan wasn’t just where I learned to act — it’s where I learned to think, to grow, and to believe in myself,” he said during the event.
Born and raised in Detroit, Grier was no stranger to Wolverine culture growing up. His father, William H. Grier, was a renowned psychiatrist and co-author of the groundbreaking book Black Rage, and was also a Michigan alumnus. “We didn’t just wear maize and blue in my house — we lived it,” Grier said.
Comedy Meets Tradition
While the comment about “excommunicating” his daughter was clearly said in jest, Grier’s playful tone was underscored by genuine sentiment. Like so many Michigan alumni, the university isn’t just a school to him—it’s family. The kind of place that anchors your identity, links generations, and leaves a mark that never fades.
Social media loved it. The clip from the event quickly spread across Wolverine nation, with the hashtag #GoBlue trending and fans chiming in with their own family stories of Michigan pride. “David Alan Grier said what all Michigan parents are thinking,” one user posted. “We’re not saying it’s Michigan or bust… but it’s Michigan or bust.”
A True Wolverine
Grier’s connection to the university remains active. He has returned to campus for speaking engagements, contributed to scholarship funds, and regularly shouts out his alma mater in interviews and social media posts. In 2021, he was awarded a Tony for Best Featured Actor in a Play and made sure to credit his Michigan training during his acceptance speech.
“It’s the Michigan mindset,” he said. “We aim high. We stay grounded. And we don’t back down.”
Looking to the Future
As for his daughter, Grier says he’s “planting the seeds” early. “She already knows the fight song. She’s got a little Wolverines hoodie. We’re just… nudging things in the right direction.”
Whether or not she ends up in Ann Arbor, one thing is clear: David Alan Grier’s love for Michigan runs deep—and he’s bringing plenty of laughs and loyalty with it.
One fan summed it up best on X: “David Alan Grier is the Michigan dad we all aspire to be. Fierce,
funny, and forever Go Blue.”
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