Actor and activist Mike Farrell will be speaking on the Binghamton University campus next week about a variety of current world issues.
The event, sponsored by the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition and RiverRead Books of Binghamton, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. in the Osterhout Concert Theater of the Anderson Center.
Farrell is best known for his eight years on “M*A*S*H” (B.J. Hunnicutt) and five seasons on “Providence.” He is also a writer, director and producer.
According to a press release, Farrell will be discussing topics such as the death penalty, human rights watch, environmental causes, gay rights and election politics.
He drove from Los Angeles to New York to engage local and national human rights groups, and covered 8,000 miles and 30 cities to promote his New York Times best-selling memoir, “Just Call Me Mike.”
Johanna Ingalls, an editor at Akashic Books, the publishing company of Farrell’s memoir, said Farrell’s speaking style is easygoing for audiences.
“His sense of humor and the unpretentious, accessible way he speaks makes the audience immediately feel comfortable,” she said.
Dr. Richard Andrus, an associate professor of biological sciences and environmental studies at BU, said Farrell is socially and environmentally conscious, and regularly tours and talks to people free of cost.
“Students will definitely enjoy him; he is a rare person who has used his fame to draw attention to important issues,” he said. “We are delighted that Mike is coming here.”
Andrus, along with Connie Barnes, a co-owner of RiverRead Books, is very proud that Farrell and his publicist asked to come speak to Binghamton.
Patricia Day, also a co-owner at RiverRead Books, claims that part of their mission is to “become a destination for cultural events.”
RiverRead Books and BU hope that their partnership will help attract students, faculty and local residents to the event.
“Mike is a great [speaker] because he can relate to the Week of Climate Actions based around his idea of social justice issues,” Day said.
According to Barnes and Day, RiverRead books will have Farrell’s new book “Of Mule and Man” available for purchase by the end of the week.
“It’s a great source for activists, no matter what your cause,” Ingalls said.
Farrell has also written articles and commentary published in The Los Angeles Times.