ACS Athens was honored to welcome back Greg Kinnear, Oscar-nominated actor and proud alumnus from the Class of 1981, for a memorable visit to campus on Friday, November 21. His return brought warmth, reflection, and excitement to students and educators alike.

Guided by Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens, Kinnear toured the school grounds and revisited the familiar pathways of his student years.

“Walking him through the school tour and watching him revisit the same hallways he once knew as a student added a special sense of nostalgia to his visit,” Dr. Pelonis shared. “It was a meaningful reminder of how our school becomes part of each student’s personal story.”

Kinnear spent time with students interested in film, media, and the arts—future creators who look to follow their own innovative paths. He spoke openly and sincerely, offering encouragement grounded in real experience. His kindness, humor, and genuine curiosity about their aspirations created an atmosphere of inspiration that resonated long after the conversations ended.

His visit underscored a sentiment deeply felt across the ACS Athens community: the spirit of ACS Athens stays with our students long after they graduate. Kinnear’s return highlighted the lasting impact of an ACS education and the powerful bond shared among alumni across generations.

Greg Kinnear’s Current Projects

Kinnear’s visit comes during an exciting period in his career, as he continues to take on major roles across film and television:

• “Smoke” – Currently streaming on Apple TV , this nine-episode crime drama follows arson investigators unraveling a series of fires. Kinnear plays Commander Harvey Englehart, head of the fictional Umberland Fire Department.
• “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” – An upcoming Apple TV drama created by David E. Kelley, starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Greg Kinnear, who portrays Kenny. The series is expected in 2026.
• The Untitled Eternity Project – Now filming in Europe, this production features Kinnear alongside Bérénice Marlohe, William H. Macy, Nolan Gerard Funk, and Meadow Williams.

Kinnear’s visit was a meaningful moment for ACS Athens—an inspiring encounter that connected past and present, celebrated the achievements of one of our distinguished alumni, and affirmed the lifelong ties that begin right here on our campus.