Amherst in the Field: John Michael Higgins '85

September 9, 2019

John Michael Higgins ’85 was a professional actor in high school when he learned about Amherst from an alumnus with whom he was working.

John Michael Higgins ’85 was a professional actor in high school when he learned about Amherst from an alumnus with whom he was working. Now known for his comedic performances in the Pitch Perfect movies and mockumentaries like A Mighty Wind and Best in Show, Higgins credits the College with the success of his improvisation. “The world that I was exposed to in history classes, English classes, science classes is nothing but material,” Higgins says. “It’s still material—totally fertile, usable material in my present work. I use it all the time.”