Fired Director James Gunn Found Love in His Darkest Hour

When acclaimed filmmaker James Gunn lost everything in a heartbeat, he discovered what truly matters.

The director told a packed Chaifetz Arena Saturday that being publicly fired in 2018 felt like the end. Offensive tweets from 11 years earlier had caught up with him, and his directing career seemed finished forever.

"I was heartbroken. I was humiliated," Gunn told around 2,800 St. Louis University graduates during commencement. "I truly thought it was the end of my career forever."

Then something miraculous happened. His girlfriend Jennifer Holland stood by him, even when it seemed he'd never earn another dollar. So did his family, friends, and colleagues from years of filmmaking.

"In the moment I thought I lost everything, I actually found what it was I was looking for," Gunn said. "I felt loved for the first time, really ever, and that was the happiest moment of my life."

Secure in that love, Gunn started creating movies purely for joy. That creative freedom eventually led him to his current position as co-head of DC Studios. Holland is now his wife.

The third-generation SLU graduate, who also attended St. Louis University High School, received an honorary doctorate of fine arts during the ceremony. His films have earned more than $3.5 billion at the box office, including the "Guardians of the Galaxy" series, "Scooby Doo," and last year's "Superman."

Why This Inspires

Gunn's story illustrates the four rules for success he shared with graduates. Obstacles are opportunities. Finish what you start. Don't let anxiety dictate your next step. Be of service to others in a world driven by greed and fear.

His most surprising rule? Don't follow your dreams. Gunn said his dream was always to be a rock star, but he could never have been great at music no matter how hard he practiced.

"Dreams aren't real," he said. "Instead of following them, find out what you do best, and then do that."

The 59-year-old filmmaker offered graduates one final piece of wisdom about being of service. "There is only one thing you can do about this, and that is not be one of those people," he said. "Kindness makes a difference."

For the graduating class setting out into an uncertain world, Gunn's message was clear: your darkest moments might lead you exactly where you need to be.