LA JOLLA — Dileep Rao, who plays scientist Max Patel in “Avatar,” began school at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in the early 1990s as a premed student, but the self-described “theater rat” discovered he had a different passion. Rao, who also plays a key role in “Inception,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is evidence that UCSD is not just a breeding ground for renowned scientists, but stars of the entertainment industry as well. The Los Angeles-born actor will revisit UCSD today to address some 5,000 incoming freshmen and transfer students as part of the university’s yearly inaugural dinner at RIMAC Field. “He wants to let students know they are the authors of their own book,” said UCSD spokeswoman Christine Clark. “He believes students can create their own path and he had a very transformative experience at UCSD.” Rao still has a strong relationship with the university and keeps in close touch with former professors such as Steven Adler, co-chair of the campus Convocation Committee. It was in Adler’s acting classes that Rao developed a passion for theater. Adler, who also teaches classes in state management and the films of Woody Allen, said Rao possesses “deep convictions about both the power of an education and his own experiences at UCSD.” Other notable UCSD alumni who have made it big in the entertainment industry include Ricardo Chavira, who plays Carlos Solis on “Desperate Housewives,” Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown and “King of the Hill” creator Mike Judge.
