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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


MEAN GIRLS is Coming to The Emerson Colonial Theatre Photo
MEAN GIRLS is Coming to The Emerson Colonial Theatre

The Emerson Colonial Theatre will present the North American Tour of Mean Girls – the musical comedy adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film – will be coming to Boston. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Denzel Washington Plans to Star in OTHELLO Film Before Retirement Photo
Denzel Washington Plans to Star in OTHELLO Film Before Retirement

Denzel Washington is only a few movies away from retiring. On a recent visit to Australia's Today Show to promote Gladiator II, the acting legend shared some of his next films, which include at least one big-screen Shakespeare adaptation. 
FUNNY GIRL Comes To Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall In January Photo
FUNNY GIRL Comes To Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall In January

FUNNY GIRL will be performed at BBMann from January 21-26, 2025. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10 AM.
MEAN GIRLS Will Make Delaware Debut This Week At The Playhouse On Rodney Square Photo
MEAN GIRLS Will Make Delaware Debut This Week At The Playhouse On Rodney Square

The North American Tour of Mean Girls, the record-breaking new musical comedy adapted from the hit Paramount Pictures film, will be coming to The Playhouse on Rodney Square this week as part of the 2024-2025 Broadway in Wilmington Season.
Paul Mescal in STREETCAR, Whitney White's MACBETH IN STRIDE & More to Play BAM in 202 Photo
Paul Mescal in STREETCAR, Whitney White's MACBETH IN STRIDE & More to Play BAM in 2025

BAM has revealed its 2025 Winter Spring Season, featuring Paul Mescal in A Streetcar Named Desire, Whitney White's Macbeth in Stride, and more. Learn more about the full lineup here!
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY Photo
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 11, 2024.
News Interact Theatre Company to Present Free Staged Readings of Pulitzer & Tony Awar Photo
News Interact Theatre Company to Present Free Staged Readings of Pulitzer & Tony Award-Winning Plays

Interact Theatre Company will partner with the Los Angeles Public Library to present its fourth season of The Prize Winners — a series of free staged readings featuring Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning plays.
Video: Ruben & Trey Santiago-Hudson Talk Joining Forces for THE OTHER AMERICANS Photo
Video: Ruben & Trey Santiago-Hudson Talk Joining Forces for THE OTHER AMERICANS

Now running at Arena Stage is a new work by John Leguizamo- The Other Americans. In this video, watch as director Ruben Santiago-Hudson and his son, Trey Santiago-Hudson tell us all about the new play!
Video: John David Washington Shares Challenges of Reprising THE PIANO LESSON Role in  Photo
Video: John David Washington Shares Challenges of Reprising THE PIANO LESSON Role in Film Adaptation

John David Washington, who appeared as Boy Willie in the 2023 Broadway revival of August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, is reprising the role in the new film adaptation and recently shared some of the challenges of bringing the show to the screen. Watch the interview now!
Exclusive: CABARET Cast Takes the Stage at Broadway Sessions Photo
Exclusive: CABARET Cast Takes the Stage at Broadway Sessions

Performers included: Marty Lauter, Chloe Nadon Enriquez, MiMi Scardulla, Colin Cunliffe, Paige Smallwood, Ayla Ciccone Burton, Corinne Munsch, David Merino, Gabi Campo , Brian Russell Care, Maeve Stier ('Mad About the Boy'), Keiji Ishiguro, and Will Ervin Jr.
Feature: BEYOND CASTING: THE PLAY IS THE THING Photo
Feature: BEYOND CASTING: THE PLAY IS THE THING

While casting practices have evolved to enhance diversity (albeit, too slowly and not enough), the selection of plays remains strikingly homogeneous. We need to focus on what is produced as much as who is cast.
Video: Auliʻi Cravalho Talks Balancing CABARET and MOANA 2 Photo
Video: Auliʻi Cravalho Talks Balancing CABARET and MOANA 2

In addition to making her Broadway debut in the current production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, Auliʻi Cravalho is returning to the beloved role of Moana in Disney's highly anticipated sequel. Watch the performer talk about both on Live with Kelly and Mark!
Video: Adam Lambert Discusses His Take on CABARET Character Photo
Video: Adam Lambert Discusses His Take on CABARET Character

On September 16, American Idol alum Adam Lambert stepped into the iconic role of the Emcee in Broadway's Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, taking over from Eddie Redmayne. Watch an interview with Lambert during a recent visit to the Today Show!
Listen to the Full Prologue from CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Photo
Listen to the Full Prologue from CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

Fans of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club know that the party starts early at the August Wilson Theatre. As audiences arrive, approximately 75 minutes before the show starts, the Prologue begins. Listen to the just-released album here.
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in To Photo
Isabella Esler, Jake Epstein, Chilina Kennedy & More Will Star in LIFE AFTER in Toronto

The full cast and creative team for the new musical LIFE AFTER at CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre has just been announced. The new musical will play a limited engagement from Wednesday, April 16 – Sunday, May 4, 2025 as part of the 2024/25 Off-Mirvish Season. Check out who is joining the cast here!
I ELECT: Power Every Four Years Comes to the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festi Photo
I ELECT: Power Every Four Years Comes to the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

I ELECT: Power Every Four Years will be showcased at the 39th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival on Sunday, Nov.10, 4:45 p.m. at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Hart, and writer Bill Spring.
MEAN GIRLS Extends West End Booking Photo
MEAN GIRLS Extends West End Booking

The producers of MEAN GIRLS in the West End have announced that the musical is extending to 8 June 2025 with over 75,000 new tickets released for sale.
What Are the Great American Plays? Photo
What Are the Great American Plays?

Great American plays often capture key moments, issues, and themes that define American life, culture, and history, making them essential parts of the American theatrical canon. Which playwrights do you think made the list?
Tickets On Sale Now For FUNNY GIRL in Boston Photo
Tickets On Sale Now For FUNNY GIRL in Boston

FUNNY GIRL will arrive at the Citizens Opera House February 4 - 16, 2025 as part of the 24/25 Broadway In Boston Season. 
Playwrights Horizons Renames Mainstage 'The Judith O. Rubin Theater' After Longtime B Photo
Playwrights Horizons Renames Mainstage 'The Judith O. Rubin Theater' After Longtime Board Chair

Playwrights Horizons  has renamed its Mainstage Theater the Judith O. Rubin Theater,.

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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