It's not often that an actor uses the spotlight of a late-night comedy show to deliver an impromptu commencement speech for University of Georgia students. But that's exactly what Tituss Burgess, an Athens native and UGA graduate, did over the weekend.

Burgess, who was on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote the latest season of his Netflix comedy, was asked about his appeal to be the school's graduation speaker to slam Georgia's "religious liberty" legislation . Burgess then offered a taste of what his graduation address would look like:

Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the legislation two weeks ago, though advocates vow to bring back a different version next year. Don't expect Burgess to address UGA graduates any time soon. The Red & Black, UGA's independent student newspaper, reports that Ryan Seacrest will headline the spring celebration.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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