Brad Pitt tells Missouri grads to 'think big' in surprise video message

Having your 2020 graduation at your kitchen table kinda seems like a bummer, but there are definitely a few perks. Perks like: easy access to snacks and not having to wear a sweaty graduation gown and maybe even having a formerly time-strapped celebrity stop by from quarantine. Yup. None other than Brad Pitt delivered a special message to the graduating seniors at Missouri State University this week, adding a bit of sparkle to their virtual graduation.After a quick bit with the school's mascot, Boomer the Bear, the school’s president Clif Smart announced there was one more special guest wanting to address the at-home graduates. Turning his phone to face the camera, he revealed it was former MSU student Brad Pitt."Hi everyone. Brad here from quarantine with a shout-out to the graduating class of Missouri State University,” he said, sporting a green t-shirt and chin-length isolation hair (which is basically the same as pre-isolation hair for Pitt). “It must be very strange doing this in these trying times, but know we're rooting for you. Our money's on you to make this world a better place. And we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. So, you did it. You made it. Enjoy. Congrats again, and think big."

We have one more surprise for our #BearGrads: A special message from one of Springfield's own.

Thanks, Brad. pic.twitter.com/tCtWgzhozI— Missouri State (@MissouriState) May 19, 2020

It makes sense that Pitt would send a message to the grads given that he grew up in Springfield, where the school is located, and attended classes there before ditching school to become a full-time actor (he was two credits shy of a journalism degree!). But getting him to make the appearance was a bit of a mission according to assistant professor Elizabeth King. The prof shared on Twitter that she sent several emails to the Oscar-winner but hadn’t heard back at all. So she did what anyone in 2020 might do and shared her own video message as a “last shot” to contact the actor on behalf of her students. Apparently it worked, proving once again the power of social media.Pitt is one of many celebrities trying to cheer up graduates whose in-person ceremonies have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ryan Reynolds gave a virtual commencement speech to his former high school (and sent pizza), John Krasinski celebrated grads in his online series Some Good News, Ken Jeong brought out his pupper for a little extra encouragement and everyone from the Obamas and Lady Gaga to Taylor Swift and BTS are coming together for YouTube’s upcoming grad-focused special.[video_embed id='1896512']RELATED: Brad Pitt is actually a big 'Letterkenny' fan [/video_embed]Although Pitt started off 2020 with a bang, winning every single acting award possible for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (reigniting Jen Aniston rumours while he was at it), the 56-year-old has been living largely out of the spotlight recently for a change. Although he did notably open the second At-Home episode of Saturday Night Live with a very memorable Dr. Fauci impression.“[He] has been enjoying a little slower personal life. It has worked wonders. We can see that it has shot him to the top professionally,” an unnamed source told People last February. “He is a new man. He is happy, loves his kids, and relishes his quiet time at home.”Now here’s hoping some of those wonders rub off on the MSU grads, too.[video_embed id='-1']BEFORE YOU GO: Selfish dog refuses to share toy with baby best friend [/video_embed]