15 celebrities to keep your eyes out for at The LA Times Festival of Books – Annenberg Media

On April 20 and 21, the LA Times Festival of Books is preparing to once again celebrate top authors and their works on the USC campus. This year's program includes a variety of celebrities and well-known faces, as well as the opportunity to participate in question-and-answer sessions, book signings, meet-and-greets and panels. Here are some notable personalities you don't want to miss.

Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer is a renowned actress known for her heartfelt performances. She has received numerous awards, including an Oscar and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Spencer will speak about the novel she adapted, “First Lie Wins,” on April 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Town and Gown.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish has played numerous roles throughout her career, from stand-up comedian to actress to now author. Haddish will discuss her upcoming novel, I Curse You With Joy, a series of stories that show a vulnerable side to the ups and downs of fame. Hear her talk on April 21 from 10:50 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. on the Children's Stage and from 12:40 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. on the LA Times Main Stage.

Rupa

RuPaul is considered an icon in scripted television and beyond. He is known for his highly successful show “RuPaul's Drag Race,” a show that promotes inclusion, self-expression and empowerment. RuPaul will be talking all about his new memoir, “The House of Hidden Meanings,” on April 20 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Bovard Auditorium.

Max Greenfield

Max Greenfield is an actor known for his charming and comedic portrayal of the character Schmidt in the hit series New Girl. With his new picture book “I Don't Want to Read This Book Aloud,” Greenfield is now venturing into the world of children's books. Hear him tell all about it on the LA Times Main Stage on April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Heinrich Winkler

Henry Winkler looks back on a successful career in the entertainment industry that has spanned decades. He is best known for his role as “Fonzie” on the 70s show “Happy Days”. Winkler is also a respected author who has written several children's books about a character named Hank Zipzer. However, Winkler recently made a change and wrote a memoir called “Being Henry.” He will speak about his new book on April 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

Philip Soo

While Phillipa Soo is an admired Broadway actress known for her touching portrayal of lead actress Eliza in Hamilton, she has now ventured into the world of book writing. Soo will discuss her new children's book, “Piper Chen Sings,” about a girl battling stage fright. Soo will speak on the Children's Stage on April 20 from 11:50 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

John Green

John Green is a world-renowned author known for depicting the intersectionality between love and loss. He is best known for his novels The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns. In addition to writing, Green also runs a highly successful YouTube channel where he posts crash course stories and science videos. He will speak at a screening of a Max film based on his book “Turtles All The Way Down” on April 20 from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Bovard Auditorium.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko is a multi-talented pop singer who began her career by starring in the Disney Channel film Lemonade Mouth. She is also a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the music industry and beyond. She is the author of the novel “Girls Like Girls” and will speak at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center on April 21 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ariana Madix

Ariana Madix is ​​a television personality and influencer known for her recurring role on the reality show Vanderpump Rules. She is currently playing the role of Roxie in the hit Broadway musical Chicago. Additionally, she has a large following on Instagram and is known for her mixology skills. Ariana will be speaking about her book, Single AF Cocktails, on the LA Times Main Stage on April 21st from 1:50-2:30 p.m.

Ronda Rousey

Ronda Rousey is a professional wrestler known for her time in the WWE and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is a trailblazer in the female sports community and was the first woman to win an Olympic medal in judo. She has also dedicated her time to acting in several films and is now venturing into writing. On April 21st from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. she will speak about her book “Our Fight.” on the LA Times Main Stage.

Hannah Brown

Hannah Brown captured the hearts of people across America after her appearance on The Bachelor and shortly after The Bachelorette. She has since launched a podcast, “Better Tomorrow,” and became a New York Times bestseller for her book, “God Bless This Mess.” She will speak about her new book, “Mistakes We Never Made,” on April 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Norris Theater.

Nikki Russell

Nikki Russell is the illustrator of the New York Times bestselling children's series Dork Diaries. She is also the daughter of Renée Russel, the author of the series. Russel will be speaking on the YA Stage on April 20th from 3:20-4:20 p.m.

Sarah Cooper

Sarah Cooper is a writer and comedian known for her political comedy, which gained traction on TikTok. She will speak about several of her books, including her recent memoir, “Foolish: Tales of Assimilation, Determination, and Humiliation,” on April 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center.

Tamron Hall

Tamron Hall is an American broadcast journalist and Emmy Award-winning talk show host for her show “Tamron Hall.” In addition to her diverse journalistic activities, she has also developed into a fiction author. She will be speaking about her new thriller novel, Watch Where They Hide, on the LA Times Main Stage on April 20 from 2:00 to 2:40 p.m.

Jay Shetty

Jay Setty is a bestselling author and popular podcast host of On Purpose, dominating Spotify's podcast wellness section. He uses his digital platforms to share what he has learned from his time as a Hindu monk. On April 20th from 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. he will be on the LA Times Main Stage discussing his new book, “8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go.”