Kevin Spacey, who loves Boston so much he named his dog after it, was in town Friday night speaking to students at a Northeastern University homecoming event.

“One of the biggest reasons I had to be here is because of Boston itself,’’ Spacey told students at the university’s Matthews Arena. “I love this town.’’

The “House Of Cards’’ star has been quite involved with the city since the Boston Marathon bombings. Last year, Spacey flew out to meet with survivors of the attack.

“I reached out to your late, great Mayor Menino, and his office helped me organize a five-day trip to Boston,’’ said Spacey. “I just wanted to come and surprise those who were recovering by walking into their hospital rooms, or getting the chance to meet or support those whose response had given rise to the phrase ‘Boston Strong.’’’


The actor later famously named his rescue dog after our fair city.

Mystery solved. New member of my family. Her name is Boston in honor of the city. @animalleague RT pic.twitter.com/uCcKjcsDmc — Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) May 4, 2013

Spacey said the dog licked his face for 15 minutes, and “that was that.’’

“I fell in love and I adopted her the next day,’’ said Spacey.