40 Under 40 honoree profile: Michael Waldron

Michael Waldron (ABJ ’10), a screenwriter and producer, is one of six Grady alumni in the UGA Alumni Association 40 under 40 class this year. Waldron began his career as an intern on the first season of “Rick and Morty” and has since created “Loki” for Disney+, wrote “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness” and created “Heels” on STARZ, among other accomplishments. Waldron has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a People’s Choice Award award for Loki Season 1 and a share of an EMMY for the fourth season of “Rick and Morty.” We are pleased to highlight Waldron in his own words.

What experience during your time at Grady College had the biggest influence on where you are today?

This one’s easy: I met my wife in our Intro To Production class and later proposed to her in that same classroom. I’m only here today because of her. And generally I am where I am on any day because of her. She does most of our scheduling.

What skill(s) or advice do you have for young alumni to help them have success early in their careers?

Hollywood is literally in your back yard – go to work on a set, in any capacity you can. You’ll gain firsthand experience and knowledge others would kill for, and make connections that will lay the foundation for your career.

Is there a piece of advice from one of your Grady College professors that still guides you today?

Professor James Biddle taught me how to make movies in his Advanced Production class. More than any single piece of advice, I remember learning from him that what seemed impossible was always, in fact, achievable. He demystified the technical filmmaking process, and vanquished my assumption that this wasn’t a viable career path. Like I said, he made the impossible achievable.

What accomplishment or moment in your career are you most proud of?

In April, the Georgia Football Instagram dropped a Loki-themed countdown hype video. That’s the top of the mountain for sure.

How do you get inspired?

I play golf. Poorly.

Favorite podcast?

Pardon My Take.

One job-related tool you can’t live without?

My dog. (Most writing is done on our walks.)

Favorite restaurant in Athens?

Pauley’s or Amici.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to?

Mallorca, Spain.

Favorite book?

Recently I really enjoyed the Mike Nichols biography by Mark Harris, and “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel.

Six Grady College graduates are represented in this year’s UGA Alumni Association 40 under 40 class. Grady College alumni honored in 2022 include:

• Emily Curl (ABJ ’14)
• Lauren Culbertson Greico (ABJ ’09)
• Christie Johnson (ABJ ’07)
• Chad Mumm (ABJ ’08)
• Kevin Schatell (ABJ ’16)
• Michael Waldron (ABJ ’10)

We will welcome five of the honorees back to Grady College on Friday, Sept. 9 for a “Message to My Younger Self” panel. Please join us in the Peyton Anderson Forum (room 238) at 10 a.m. A light breakfast will be offered.