Actor, comedian, writer, producer, director and retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Rob Riggle was in Salina Tuesday.  Riggle was the featured speaker at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Meeting.

As a University of Kansas Alum, Riggle has a close connection to the Sunflower State. While at KU Riggle attained his pilot’s license, and in 1992, graduated with a B.A. in Theater and Film. He later joined the Marines and then eventually went on to become a regular on Saturday Night Live and has only grown in popularity since.

Riggle is known for his roles in movies & TV shows like 21 Jump Street, The Hangover, Modern Family, and Dumb and Dumber Too among others. The avid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan also has a weekly segment on FOX’s NFL coverage.

Prior to his speaking engagement Riggle met with the media.

The evening consisted of remarks by outgoing Chamber Chairman Mark Ritter and incoming Chairman Joyce Volk, a brief review of the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2018, and the address by Riggle.

The chamber has a history of bringing big name speakers for their annual banquet and membership meeting. Last year Kasnas City Royal’s General Manager Dayron Moore spoke. Other speakers have included 2016 Republican Presidential Nomination Candidate Carly Fiorina, Emmy-Award winning journalist John Stossel, cancer surviving hall of fame figure skater Scott Hamilton, presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, former Alaska Governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Former President George Bush, Former British Prime Minister John Major, sports journalist Bob Costas, and Major League Baseball hall of famer Cal Ripken Jr., among others.