Maya Angelou Headshot

Maya Angelou

Date of Death: May 28, 2014 (86)

Birth Place: St. Louis, MO, USA

Get Maya Angelou Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Maya Angelou BIO

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) was an influential American poet, writer, and activist. She worked various jobs before finding success as a writer, many of which influenced her works. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographical works, the first of which, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", established her as the first African-America woman to write about her personal life publicly, and endures as one of the most extensively studied works in American schools. Angelous has received over 30 honorary degrees from universities all over the world.

While Angelou's autobiographies are considered to be her most successful works, she also wrote plays, poetry, and screenplays, and was chosen to recite her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993. She received a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her 1971 volume of poetry entitled "Just Give Me A Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie" .

Angelou also enjoyed a successful acting career and was nominated for a Tony Award in 1973 for her role in the play "Look Away". She appeared as a regular on the television series "Roots" and directed productions in both New York and London.

A one-woman show based on Angelou's life titled "Phenomenal Woman: An Evening With Maya Angelou" will premiere on Broadway in 2021. The show will draw influence from her writings and will include new, never heard before stories about her life. Her son, Guy Johnson, will work with producers David Michael Rich and J. Todd Harris to bring the show to Broadway.

Maya Angelou Photos

Maya Angelou STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1973
Elizabeth Keckley

Maya Angelou Productions

 
[Off-Off-Broadway, 1979]
Director

Writing

Lyricist

Maya Angelou Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Maya Angelou, Look Away

Maya Angelou News


Karen Mason and Louis Rosen to Present AGES SINCE THE LAST TIME at Chelsea Table + Stage


CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present Broadway and concert star Karen Mason and award-winning songwriter and performer Louis Rosen in “Ages Since the Last Time” for two performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert


Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.

The Joffrey Ballet And Kartemquin Films Announce Film Documenting 2024 'Winning Works' Choreographers


Discover the journey of 2024's 'Winning Works' choreographers in a feature-length film by Joffrey Ballet and Kartemquin Films, showcasing the artistry and passion behind their phenomenal performances.

Michael Feinstein In To Star In RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL  at the Mark Taper Forum


Experience the magic of Judy Garland's music anew with RAINBOW: THE NEW JUDY GARLAND MUSICAL, featuring Michael Feinstein at the Mark Taper Forum.

Actor Jeffrey Wright Delivered The 35th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture On Arts And Public Policy


Renowned actor Jeffrey Wright gives an insightful address at the 35th Annual Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy, discussing the importance and impact of arts in society.

Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert


Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

Reading Rainbow Documentary BUTTERFLY IN THE SKY Sets March Release


The doc feature, which tells the story of the beloved PBS Children's series, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The XTR film will have a Limited Theatrical Release starting in March at select AMC Theatres, followed by Additional Cities and FIFTH SEASON on board for the Digital Release and worldwide sales.

Full Cast and Creative Team Revealed For GUN & POWDER at Paper Mill Playhouse


Paper Mill Playhouse has announced the full cast and creative team for the new musical Gun & Powder. Learn more about the team here!

Tituss Burgess, Solea Pfeiffer, and Brandon Victor Dixon to Join BAM!, BLACK ARTISTS IN MUSIC


The Savannah College of Art and Design is inviting you to join BAM!, Black Artists in Music, this Friday, February 23 in Atlanta. Learn about who is taking part and see how to purchase tickets.

SCAD Hosts BAM! Celebrating Black Artists In Music, Featuring Tituss Burgess, Solea Pfeiffer, and More


The Savannah College of Art and Design will host the SCAD Bee Sharps, the university's elite performance ensemble starring American Idol winner and SCAD alum Candice Glover for BAM!, Black Artists in Music, this February 16 at the Lucas Theatre in Savannah.

Alaska Airlines' Winter Classics 2024 Will Be Performed as Part of Sitka Music Festival


Join the Sitka Music Festival for Alaska Airlines’ Winter Classics 2024. Performances run February 9-11, 2024.

The Apollo Appoints Four New Members to its Board of Directors


The Apollo has announced that four new members were elected to the non-profit organization’s Board of Directors. Learn more about the new members here!

The Coterie Theatre Appoints Khalia Davis as New Producing Artistic Director


The Coterie has appointed Khalia Davis as the new Producing Artistic Director.

Conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson Makes NatPhil Debut With Coleman and Dvořák in February


National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents guest conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson in her debut with the Orchestra on Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. at The Music Center at Strathmore.

Legendary Drama Director Wendell Tabb Honored With Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award


Tabb has received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, the highest award bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina.

Harlem Stage, Sugar Hill Salon, And Concert Artists Guild Present An Evening Of Chamber Music By Living Composers Of Color, February 23


Harlem Stage, Sugar Hill Salon, and Concert Artists Guild present an Evening of Chamber Music by Living Composers of Color on February 23. Collaboration between these organizations showcases the work of diverse composers.

Ford's Theatre to Present 'The Ford's Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look' & More


Ford’s Theatre will present The Ford’s Theatre Legacy Commissions: A First Look on January 26-27, 2024. Learn additional details!

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Houston Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Houston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Houston Awards; RIDE THE CYCLONE, THE OLDEST BOY, Theatre Southwest & More Lead!


There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Houston Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Maya Angelou FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Maya Angelou been in?

Maya Angelou has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Maya Angelou been in?

Maya Angelou has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Maya Angelou been nominated for?

Maya Angelou has been nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her work in the production "Look Away".

What awards has Maya Angelou won?

Maya Angelou has won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her role in "Look Away".

How many shows has Maya Angelou written?

Maya Angelou has written 3 shows including Phenomenal Woman: An Evening With Maya Angelou (Writer), And I Still Rise (Bookwriter), King (Lyricist).

Get Maya Angelou Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos