Hugh Fink | Class of 1979
Most people know Hugh Fink as an Emmy Award-winning writer-producer and accomplished comedian, but many don’t know that he’s also an NCHS Alumni! Growing up on the east side of Washington Township, Hugh attended the former Fall Creek Elementary School (Near Kessler and Fall Creek) before moving to Eastwood Middle School and finally graduating from North Central in 1979. After graduation, Hugh took his talents to the screen, where he established himself as a leading voice in late-night television, working as a writer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live for seven years.
Q&A with Hugh
What brought you back to town?
I’ve been spending some time visiting with my sister. We recently drove past our old stomping grounds at North Central, and the nostalgia came rushing back. I was always the funny guy. I loved writing and usually had jokes prepared.
What are some of your favorite memories from NCHS?
I loved participating in Junior Spec as a performer and comedian. I also wrote commercials for 89.3 WJEL radio and played violin in the orchestra. North Central was a big school, but it taught me how to find my passions through all the activities offered. I also learned to be more confident. To speak up and advocate for myself and others.
What was life like in the 1970s growing up in Indianapolis?
Coming from a family focused on social justice, Washington Township was a natural fit for us. My mother was an educator, and my father was a criminal lawyer. Our family was pro-integration. From a young age, I remember marching and fighting for civil rights.
Tell us about one of your proudest career accomplishments.
One of my proudest career accomplishments was writing for Saturday Night Live for seven years. I worked with actors such as Will Farrell, Maya Rudolph, Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, and Norm McDonald. One of the highlights of my life was playing the violin in Carnegie hall with John Stewart in 2000. That was always a dream of mine, and I got to fulfill that dream! I am thankful for the opportunities North Central gave me to explore and use my gifts of comedy and writing.
What are you up to now?
I have adult children and currently reside in Los Angeles, where I spend my time teaching writing as an adjunct professor at Harvard, Chapman University, and the University of Cincinnati. I also teach writing and comedy workshops.
To learn more about Hugh Fink, check out his website at https://hughfink.com/ or follow him on Linkedin!
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