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August Wilson Headshot

August Wilson

Date of Death: October 02, 2005 (60)

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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BIO

August Wilson was an American playwright. He has been referred to as the "theater's poet of Black America". He is best known for a series of ten plays collectively called The Pittsburgh Cycle, which chronicle the experiences and heritage of the African-American community in the 20th century. Plays in the series include, Jitney (1982), Fences (1984), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1984), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1986), The Piano Lesson (1987), King Hedley II (1999). Two of his plays received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and two of his other works won the Tony Award for Best Play. In 2006 Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Photos

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Best American Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Play

August Wilson, Radio Golf

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Play

August Wilson, Gem of the Ocean


winner
Olivier Awards - 2002 - The BBC Award for Best New Play

August WilsonJitney

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Play

August Wilson, King Hedley II


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, Jitne


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - The American Express Tribute

August Wilson


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Best Play

August Wilson, Jitney

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, King Hedley II

The Pulitzer Prize - 2000 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, King Hedley II


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Play

August Wilson, Seven Guitars

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Play

August Wilson, Seven Guitars

The Pulitzer Prize - 1995 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Seven Guitars


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best American Play

August Wilson, Two Trains Running

The Pulitzer Prize - 1992 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Two Trains Running

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Play

August Wilson, Two Trains Running


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1990 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1990 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August WilsonThe Piano Lesson

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Play

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson

The Pulitzer Prize - 1989 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, The Piano Lesson

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding New Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Play

August Wilson, Joe Turner's Come and Gone


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Play

August Wilson, Fences


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - John Gassner Playwriting Award

August Wilson, Fences


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1987 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

August Wilson, Fences


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Play

August Wilson, Fences

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1985 - Best Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Play

August Wilson, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Videos

News


25 Best Restaurants in the Theatre District
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 13, 2025

Who knows better about where to eat in the theatre district than the people who hang out the most in the theatre district? We've asked the experts- BroadwayWorld readers/avid theatregoers to weigh in on which restaurants are their favorites to grab a bite before or after a Broadway show. The results are in...
STAR WARS On Stage: A Guide to Broadway Stars in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

With the highly anticipated second season of Andor arriving in a few short weeks, we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy Star Wars actors to have graced the Broadway stage over the years.
World Premiere of THE STAIRCASE Comes to South Coast Repertory
by Stephi Wild - Apr 11, 2025

South Coast Repertory will bring the singularly unique voice of Hawaiian playwright Noa Gardner to theatregoers with the world premiere of The Staircase. Learn more here!
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS and More Set for A Noise Within's 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

A Noise Within will present its “Songs from the Volcano” 2025-26 season of six classic plays. Launching the season in September is British playwright Richard Bean’s Tony Award-winning One Man, Two Guvnors. Learn more about the season here!
THE PIANO LESSON, ART, and More Set For Everyman 35th Anniversary Season
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

Everyman has announced its 2025/2026 season, a six-show lineup featuring its 18-member ensemble of resident actors in productions that embody the company’s three-decade legacy of building incredible theatre in the city of Baltimore.  
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Talks PURPOSE and Directing Husband Samuel L. Jackson in THE PIANO LESSON
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 8, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson is back on Broadway in Purpose, and the actress recently visited Sherri to discuss her experience in the show, as well as to reveal what it was like to direct her husband, Samuel L. Jackson, in The Piano Lesson. Watch the interview now!
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre to Present the Pittsburgh Premiere of the Whimsical THE WIZARD AND I with the PBT Orchestra
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 7, 2025

Follow the yellow brick road with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) for an extraordinary adventure that follows Dorothy and Toto into the land of Oz with the breathtaking Pittsburgh premiere of Septime Webre's The Wizard of Oz.
Immersive PARADISE BLUE Cast Now In Rehearsals At Studio
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2025

Rehearsals are now in full swing for Studio Theatre's fully immersive production of Paradise Blue, the modern classic by Dominique Morisseau, part of her acclaimed Detroit Trilogy.
Lyric Stage Boston Announces 2025-2026 Season
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025

Lyric Stage Boston has just announced its 2025/2026 season of shows. The season will run from Septemebr 2025 through June 2026, and will include shows like Our Town and Something Rotten! 
Sheryl Lee Ralph, The DIVA Foundation, & Richard E. Waits to Present Reading of COCONUT CAKE
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025

Sheryl Lee Ralph, The DIVA Foundation, and Richard E. Waits will present a New York City industry reading of Melda Beaty’s acclaimed new play, Coconut Cake on Tuesday, April 8.
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING Comes to SpeakEasy Stage
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2025

SpeakEasy Stage Company presents the New England Premiere of the Tony-nominated play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding by Jocelyn Bioh, a powerful comedic tale about joy, dreams, community, and sisterhood. 
David Henry Hwang To Receive Dramatist Guild Lifetime Achievement Award
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2025

The Dramatists Guild of America has announced that the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is playwright David Henry Hwang. The award will be presented at the Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Monday, April 28. 
John Douglas Thompson and Rocco Sisto Will Lead Red Bull Theater's OEDIPUS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced the cast for the next offering of Revelation Readings season: Sophocles’s OEDIPUS, translated by Timberlake Wertenbaker and adapted and directed by Carey Perloff.
Photos: First Look At Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada In CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2025

The first production photos of trailblazing country music star Orville Peck as ‘Emcee’ and two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada as ‘Sally Bowles’ have been unveiled following their first performance last night in the Tony Award-winning Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
World Premiere of RELENTLESS and More Set for Syracuse Stage 25/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025

The 25/26 season at Syracuse Stage will feature a Broadway hit, fresh revivals of award-winning classics, an inspiring new American musical and a knockout world premiere play. See the full season here!
Shakespeare & Company to Honor Annette Miller And John Douglas Thompson
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 31, 2025

Shakespeare & Company will present its Gala 2025, which will honor award-winning actors Annette Miller and John Douglas Thompson. Learn more about the honorees and see how to attend the gala.
Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Iconic Plays That Shaped American Theater
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 30, 2025

The Pulitzer Prize for Drama is one of the most prestigious honors in American theater, celebrating outstanding works that have made a significant impact on the stage. Here's a closer look at what the Pulitzer Prize for Drama is, how it works, and why it matters.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Will Host Spring Mix: 5 For 55 in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 28, 2025

In honor of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's 55th anniversary, PBT artists will perform five classical and contemporary works in Spring Mix: 5 for 55. Learn more about the program here!
HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD & More Lead Los Angeles's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2025

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for April 2025 include the touring production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and more.
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Shares What She Wrote on New Sardi's Portrait
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 27, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson joined The View on Thursday to discuss starring in the new play Purpose, her new Sardi's portrait, and more. Watch the interview!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has August Wilson written?

August Wilson has written 15 shows including Fences (Playwright), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Playwright), Urban Blight (Bookwriter), The Piano Lesson (Playwright), Two Trains Running (Playwright), Seven Guitars (Playwright), Jitney (Playwright), King Hedley II (Playwright), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Playwright), Gem of the Ocean (Playwright), Seven Guitars (Playwright), Two Trains Running (Playwright), King Hedley II (Playwright), Radio Golf (Playwright), How I Learned What I Learned (Playwright).

What awards has August Wilson been nominated for?

August Wilson has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of the notable nominations include Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Radio Golf," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Gem of the Ocean," The BBC Award for Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for "Jitney," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "King Hedley II," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Jitney," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Jitney," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "King Hedley II," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Seven Guitars," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Seven Guitars," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Seven Guitars," Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Two Trains Running," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Two Trains Running," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Two Trains Running," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "The Piano Lesson," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "The Piano Lesson," Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences," John Gassner Playwriting Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for "Fences," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for "Fences," Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," and Best Play (Tony Awards) for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

What awards has August Wilson won?

August Wilson has won several awards for his plays. Some of his notable awards include the Best American Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Radio Golf," the BBC Award for Best New Play from the Olivier Awards for "Jitney," and the Outstanding New Play from the Drama Desk Awards for "Jitney." He has also received the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "The Piano Lesson" and "Fences," and the John Gassner Playwriting Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fences." Additionally, Wilson has won multiple Best Play awards from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for plays such as "Jitney," "Seven Guitars," "Two Trains Running," "The Piano Lesson," "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

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