Ayo Edebiri just came home — and Boston welcomed her like one of its brightest stars.

The Emmy-winning actress, comedian, and writer, widely recognized for her acclaimed role in The Bear, returned to her alma mater, Boston Latin School (BLS), for a visit that blended humor, emotion, and a deep sense of hometown pride, according to CBS News (source: CBS News). The Dorchester native, who graduated in 2013, spoke to hundreds of students about how her years at the nation’s oldest public school shaped not only her academic life but also her creativity, confidence, and resilience (source: Boston Globe).

“It’s very, very surreal,” Edebiri told the audience, sitting alongside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu during a special assembly in the school auditorium. “My closest friends — the ones still with me now — I met at Latin. I hope they’ll be in my life forever. There’s a rigor, a level of care I have, that wouldn’t be possible without having gone to this school. It really shapes you and molds you.”

Boston Latin, founded in 1635, has long been known for inspiring high-achieving students — from literary giants to political leaders — and now counts Edebiri among its most celebrated graduates (source: NPR). She reminisced about discovering improv in eighth grade and how a nerve-wracking performance of a monologue from Julius Caesar nearly made her faint. But she pushed through, and that moment changed everything.

“I was shaking so badly,” she told students. “And then my teacher said, ‘That was really good!’ And I remember thinking, maybe something’s here.”

That “something” has now evolved into one of the most exciting careers in Hollywood. In addition to The Bear, Edebiri has made scene-stealing appearances in Abbott Elementary, the queer teen comedy Bottoms, and Disney-Pixar’s blockbuster Inside Out 2. Her rise has been fast but not accidental — built on talent, persistence, and the kind of creative foundation she said Boston Latin gave her.

When she mentioned being from Dorchester, the auditorium erupted into cheers — a reaction that made her beam with pride. She explained that growing up in a multicultural neighborhood and attending a diverse school expanded her worldview, challenging her to understand different communities and experiences.

“Coming here, I suddenly had friends from all over the city, all kinds of religious backgrounds, cultures, and stories,” she said. “By the time I went to college, I felt ready — really ready — to meet the world.”

Asked what advice she had for young people dreaming of a future in the arts or entertainment, Edebiri offered wisdom she once received from an NYU professor: “It’s not a game of luck or chance or even pure skill. It’s really a matter of attrition — of sticking it out, showing up, and staying committed.”

Her sincerity, humor, and unmistakable honesty were on full display throughout the day — traits that have made her one of the most beloved young talents in the industry.

The event culminated in a historic honor. Mayor Wu presented Edebiri with a formal proclamation, officially naming April 10, 2025, as Ayo Edebiri Day in the City of Boston, recognizing her achievements as an artist, role model, and proud daughter of the city (source: Associated Press).

Later, Edebiri took to social media to reflect on the moment, posting a heartfelt message of gratitude:

“So incredibly floored, honored, and grateful for today… I’m a product of Boston Public Schools and of well-funded public services. I’m a product of diverse environments that pushed the boundaries of inclusion. I’m a product of an environment that cared about kids having access to arts and the humanities… I’m very proud to be from a place as rich in history and mania as Boston. Very surreal.”

From the historic halls of Boston Latin to the bright lights of Hollywood, Ayo Edebiri’s journey is a reminder that greatness can begin anywhere — sometimes with shaky hands, a Shakespeare monologue, and a teacher who sees something in you long before the world does.