Maggie Siff, a graduating year of '92, is set to deliver the keynote speech at Bronx Science's 96th graduation ceremony.
In the heart of Washington Heights, the United Palace Theater prepares to host a memorable graduation ceremony. This year, the esteemed keynote speaker will be none other than Maggie Siff '92, a renowned actress who has built a distinguished career in both prestige television and independent films.
Siff, a graduate of Bronx Science, began her acting journey while still a student. She participated in Speech & Debate competitions and school plays, foreshadowing the success that was to come.
Throughout her career, Siff has delivered captivating performances in critically acclaimed television dramas. One of her most notable roles was Rachel Menken Katz in Mad Men, a wealthy department-store heiress embroiled in a complicated affair with Don Draper. Her portrayal of Tara Knowles in Sons of Anarchy, a pediatric surgeon entwined with a violent biker gang, also earned her two Critics’ Choice nominations.
More recently, Siff has starred as Wendy Rhoades in Billions, a performance coach and psychiatrist navigating the high-stakes world of finance. Her work has been praised for its emotional depth, quiet strength, and intelligent characterizations, often playing women who balance personal vulnerability with resilience.
Siff's film credits include indie and mainstream projects such as A Woman, a Part, Push, and Concussion, further broadening her artistic range.
Siff's time at Bronx Science left a lasting impression on her. She reflects on a deep urge to achieve that can sometimes work against a deeper curiosity in people. Despite skipping her high school graduation to participate in a national tournament for the Speech & Debate team, Siff felt drawn to the beauty and honesty of Tennessee Williams's work in Orpheus Descending. She played the role of Lady in this rarely produced play, which addresses themes such as racism, narrow-mindedness, and discovering purpose in life.
In her commencement address, Siff plans to encourage Bronx Science graduates to explore a variety of interests. She hopes they will not be limited by perfectionism and trapped to a narrow path in life.
The United Palace Theater, known for its enormous size and beautiful ornamental architecture, promises to be an ideal setting for Siff's return to her alma mater. As she looks out into the sea of faces, she will no doubt remember what it was like to be a student there, and share her wisdom and experiences with the next generation of Bronx Science graduates.
[1] IMDb (Internet Movie Database). (n.d.). Maggie Siff. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0227490/
- Maggie Siff, the keynote speaker for the upcoming graduation ceremony at United Palace Theater, started her acting journey while still a student, participating in Speech & Debate competitions and school plays.
- Apart from her critically acclaimed roles in prestige television shows like Mad Men, Sons of Anarchy, and Billions, Siff has also ventured into video productions, such as her roles in films like A Woman, a Part, Push, and Concussion.
- As she reflects on her time at Bronx Science, Siff hopes to use her commencement address to inspire the graduating class to pursue a variety of interests beyond just perfectionism, encouraging them to discover and nurture their passions in fields like education-and-self-development, entertainment, and even lifestyle.
