Star of the hit television series “The Practice” to receive honorary degree at May Commencement

NEW PALTZ — Michael Badalucco, an Emmy-award-winning actor who received his bachelor’s degree in theatre arts from SUNY New Paltz in 1976, will receive the conferral of the State University of New York’s degree of Doctor of Fine Arts at the spring commencement ceremonies on May 18.

Badalucco received the 1999 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in his role as attorney Jimmy Berluti in the ABC television drama series “The Practice,” and was nominated in the same category in 2000.

“The State University of New York at New Paltz feels a special connection Mr. Badalucco,” said Steven G. Poskanzer, Interim President of the college. “Besides being a gifted actor and one of our most accomplished alumni, the values he embraces and the importance of work ethic, pride in perfection, devotion to family, perseverance and loyalty to his Alma Mater, is a model by which our past, current and future students can pattern their lives and careers.”

Badalucco got his start in the entertainment industry at a very young age, going to work with his father who was a carpenter on movie sets. During the filming of “Fail Safe,” starring Henry Fonda, a photo of a young boy was needed. Eight-year old Badalucco posed for the picture, and thus began his acting career. While earning his B.A. in theatre arts from SUNY New Paltz, Badalucco performed in more than 20 plays with the New Paltz Repertory Company.

Most recently, Badalucco was seen as a barber in the Coen Brothers’ film “The Man Who Wasn’t There” with Billy Bob Thornton; following his role as bank robber George “Baby Face” Nelson in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” with George Clooney.

He and his wife, Brenda, make their home in Manhattan.

Note to editors: A photograph of Michael Badalucco can be downloaded from the SUNY New Paltz Web site at www.newpaltz.edu/news/images/badalucco.html.