Jennifer Garner, “Alias”, actor was recognized as Hasty Pudding Theatrical’s Woman of the year at a parade held in historic Harvard Square on Saturday afternoon.
Garner was paraded through Cambridge, Massachusetts. Garner smiled despite the cold temperatures as she waved at the hundreds of spectators who gathered along the parade route.
“This is insane. Garner exclaimed, “This is crazy.” She was jubilant as she watched the large crowds from her red Bentley.
At Saturday’s traditional roast, Garner (49) will receive the iconic pudding pot. After the roast, Harvard’s famed theater company will be performing “Ship Happens,” its latest production. This will be the third time the organization has both men and woman in its cast, and the first production since 2020’s coronavirus pandemic.
Garner was joined by several members of the theatre troupe, who were dressed up in elaborate costumes and drag.
Hasty Pudding Theatricals dates back to 1844. It is the third-oldest theater company in the world. In 1951, Hasty Pudding Theatricals established the Woman of the Year Award to recognize women who have made “lasting, impressive contributions to the entertainment industry.”
Viola Davis was last year’s winner. Previous winners include Meryl Steep, Katharine Hepburn and Ethel Merman.
According to organizers of Hasty Pudding, Garner was chosen not only for her acting career but also because she is a philanthropist as well as an entrepreneur.
Jacqueline Zoeller (organizer of the award) stated in a press release that Jennifer was a role model for all of us at Hasty Pudding Theatricals as a talented actress and philanthropist. It is an honor to recognize her during this extraordinary year, which saw the organization return to the stage.
Garner was nominated in Primetime Emmys for her role in “Alias” as Sydney Bristow. She has also been recognized for her roles in “Juno,” the “Dallas Buyers Club”, and “13 Going on 30.”
