Jeffrey Tambor named Alumnus of Year

Actor Jeffrey Tambor has been named SF State’s 2009 Alumnus of the Year.

Since honing his craft on campus stages, Tambor has enjoyed a successful career as an actor and teacher, earning six Emmy nominations. He earned critical acclaim for his roles on “Arrested Development” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” Tambor (B.A., Drama, ’65) also appeared in both “Hellboy” movies and on “Taxi,” “Three’s Company” and “M.A.S.H.”

“Jeffrey Tambor’s achievements as an actor are testament to his talent and dedication,” SF State President Robert A. Corrigan said. “In nearly four decades in the industry, he has won audience and critical approval and as a result showcased the value of creative arts education at San Francisco State.”

As a student, Tambor quickly immersed himself in the Theatre Arts Department, taking classes from former College of Creative Arts Dean J. Fenton McKenna and others. Tambor credits the faculty at SF State with "lighting a fire in my belly,” through a wide range of acting and technical theatre classes.

“We never talked about work or getting work,” Tambor said. “We talked about what you did in process, in every class how to be the best artist you could be. When you left (SF State) you knew what you were doing.”

Tambor will receive the Alumnus of the Year award at the University’s 108th Commencement exercises held May 23 in Cox Stadium on campus.