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Edward Albee Headshot

Edward Albee

Also Credited As: Edward Franklin Albee

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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BIO

Edward Albee was an American playwright known for his darkly comedic and often controversial works. Born on March 12, 1928, in Washington, D.C., Albee was adopted as an infant by Reed and Frances Albee, a wealthy couple who owned vaudeville theaters. He was raised in Westchester County, New York, and attended a number of private schools before being expelled from one for academic reasons.


Albee's interest in theater began at a young age, and he began writing plays in his teens. He attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, but left after just a year and a half. He moved to New York City in 1949 and began working odd jobs while trying to establish himself as a writer.
Albee's breakthrough came in 1959 with the production of his play "The Zoo Story" at the Provincetown Playhouse in Greenwich Village. The play, which depicts a chance encounter between two strangers in Central Park, was an immediate success and established Albee as a major voice in American theater.
In the years that followed, Albee wrote a number of highly regarded plays, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1962), "A Delicate Balance" (1966), and "Seascape" (1975). His work was known for its dark humor, incisive social commentary, and unconventional structure.
Albee was also known for his involvement in the theater community. He served as the president of the Dramatists Guild from 1973 to 1981 and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was also a frequent collaborator with other artists, including composer William Flanagan and director Mike Nichols.
In addition to his work in the theater, Albee also wrote for film and television. He adapted his play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" for the screen in 1966, earning an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1970 film "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe."
Albee's personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized, and his relationships with men were often the subject of tabloid speculation. He was also estranged from his adoptive parents and had a difficult relationship with his mother in particular.
Albee died on September 16, 2016, at his home in Montauk, New York, at the age of 88. His legacy as one of America's most important playwrights continues to be celebrated, and his work remains a staple of theater productions around the world.

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Productions

 
[Broadway, 2020]
Playwright
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Producer

Writing

Playwright
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Librettist
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Awards and Nominations


winner
- 2012 - Legend of Off Broadway Award

Edward Albee


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead

Edward Albee

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Revival

Edward AlbeeWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best New Play

Edward AlbeeThe Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
Tony Awards - 2005 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Edward Albee

The Pulitzer Prize - 2003 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who is Sylvia

The Pulitzer Prize - 2003 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who is Sylvia


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Play

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Edward Albee, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Lifetime Achievement

Edward Albee


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Best American Play

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

The Pulitzer Prize - 2001 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

The Pulitzer Prize - 2001 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

Olivier Awards - 1995 - BBC Award for the Play of the Year

Edward AlbeeThree Tall Women


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Edward AlbeeThree Tall Women


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Three Tall Women


winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Sustained Achievement

Edward Albee


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1994 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, Three Tall Women

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New American Play

Edward Albee, Seascape

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best American Play

Edward Albee, Seascape


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1975 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, Seascape

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Seascape

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1967 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Tiny Alice

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Tiny Alice


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1964 - Best Play

Edward AlbeeWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Play

Edward Albee, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1963 - Best Playwright of the Season

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1960 - Best Author

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story


winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Distinguished Play

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story

Videos

News


Todd Waite Will Retire From the Alley Theatre Acting Company

Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre has announced that after 25 years, Todd Waite will retire as a member of the Resident Acting Company. Learn more here!
Paul Gross And Real-Life Partner Martha Burns Take The Stage In WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? In January

Next up on the Bluma Appel stage this season, Canadian Stage will present an all-new production of one of the most simmering dramas in the history of modern theatre, Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, on stage January 18th to February 2nd.
Photos: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Honors Tom Viertel at 23rd Monte Cristo Award Gala

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center presented the 23rd Monte Cristo Award to Chair Emeritus Tom Viertel, last night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. Check out photos here!
Florida Studio Theatre Presents Regional Premiere of THE HEART SELLERS

Florida Studio Theatre announced an extension of WAITRESS through January 5 due to popular demand. The production continues to captivate audiences with its compelling story and memorable music.
THE HEART SELLERS Regional Premiere to be Presented at Florida Studio Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre is presenting the regional premiere of The Heart Sellers, a heartwarming comedy by award-winning playwright Lloyd Suh. Learn how to purchase tickets.
See David Burtka, Marilyn Maye & More Next Week at 54 Below

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including David Burtka and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: David Burtka Gets Personal with BURTKA, DAVID at 54 Below

You've never seen David Burtka like this – turning the conventions of the cabaret structure upside down. Star of stage and screen (Hulu’s “Drag Me to Dinner”), Burtka, David plays 11/20 to 11/23, and is directed by his husband Neil Patrick Harris
Alberto Mira presenta EL TEATRO MUSICAL DE STEPHEN SONDHEIM en una charla online

El próximo 26 de noviembre la Escuela de Traducción Audiovisual organiza un nuevo encuentro online de su serie 10 preguntas con Alberto Mira, autor del libro EL TEATRO MUSICAL DE STEPHEN SONDHEIM, en el que los participantes podrán registrarse y formular sus preguntas por adelantado a través de este enlace.
The Stage Announces New Artistic Director and 2025 Season Lineup

The Stage at Burke Junction announced Anthony D'Juan as its new Artistic Director and unveiled its 2025 season, featuring a mix of contemporary and classic American theater and community performances.
THE FANTASTICKS LGBTQIA+ Rewrite Extended at Island City Stage

ISLAND CITY STAGE has extended THE FANTASTICKS, offering a South Florida premiere with an LGBTQ+ twist. Discover this reimagined classic musical in its limited run.
SoHo Playhouse's 2024 International Fringe Encore Comedy Series Opens Tonight

Discover top global Fringe Festival comics at SoHo Playhouse's 2024 International Fringe Encore Comedy Series, running Off-Broadway. Featuring seven standout performers. Learn how to purchase tickets.
DO YOU FEEL ANGER? Comes to the Court Square Theatre This Week

An all new production: Do You Feel Anger? will come to the Court Square Theatre this week. Do You Feel Anger? is an absurdist comedy that provides a satirical look at everyday power dynamics in the workplace.
Edward Albee's THE ZOO STORY Comes to the Era Theatre This Week

The Era Theatre will perform a unique interpretation of Edward Albee’s classic play, The Zoo Story, in Tbilisi. The production will debut later this week. Learn more about the production here!
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?
Broadway Buying Guide: October 21, 2024- SUNSET BLVD Storms Back to Broadway

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SoHo Playhouse Reveals Comedy Lineup For 2024 International Fringe Encore Series

Discover the SoHo Playhouse's 2024 International Fringe Encore Comedy Series, featuring top comics from global Fringe Festivals. Running Off-Broadway. See the full lineup and learn how to attend.
SoHo Playhouse Announces Lineup For 2024 International Fringe Encore Comedy Series

Discover top global Fringe Festival comedians at SoHo Playhouse's 2024 International Fringe Encore Comedy Series, featuring shows by John Hastings, Kelly McCaughan, Connor Burns, and more, from November 5 to December 14.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 14, 2024- OUR TOWN, GYPSY, and More

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, October 14, 2024.
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens

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Review Roundup: THE HILLS OF CALIFORNIA by Jez Butterworth Opens on Broadway

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Edward Albee written?

Edward Albee has written 35 shows including Breakfast at Tiffany's (Bookwriter), The Zoo Story (Playwright), Fam and Yam (Playwright), The American Dream/ The Death of Bessie Smith (Playwright), Bartleby (Librettist), The Zoo Story/ The American Dream (Playwright), The Ballad of the Sad Cafe (Playwright), The American Dream/ Dutchman (Playwright), Krapp's Last Tape/ The Zoo Story (Playwright), Malcolm (Playwright), Everything in the Garden (Playwright), Tiny Alice (Playwright), All Over (Playwright), The Lady from Dubuque (Playwright), Lolita (Playwright), The Man Who Had Three Arms (Playwright), Marriage Play (Playwright), Counting the Ways/Listening (Playwright), Sand: Box, The Sandbox and Finding the Sun (Playwright), Fragments (Playwright), Three Tall Women (Playwright), A Delicate Balance (Playwright), The Play About the Baby (Playwright), Tiny Alice (Playwright), The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? (Playwright), Edward Albee's Occupant (Playwright), Beckett/Albee (Playwright), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Playwright), Seascape (Playwright), Peter and Jerry (Playwright), Edward Albee's The American Dream and The Sandbox (Playwright), Edward Albee's Occupant (Playwright), Me, Myself & I (Playwright), Signature Plays (Playwright), At Home at the Zoo: Homelife & The Zoo Story (Playwright).

What awards has Edward Albee been nominated for?

Legend of Off Broadway Award (), The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Revival (Olivier Awards) for Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?, Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Goat or Who is Sylvia, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Goat or Who is Sylvia, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (The Lortels), Best Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Play About the Baby, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Play About the Baby, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Play About the Baby, BBC Award for the Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Three Tall Women, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Three Tall Women, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Three Tall Women, Sustained Achievement (Obie Awards), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Three Tall Women, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Outstanding New American Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Seascape, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Seascape, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Seascape, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Seascape , Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for A Delicate Balance, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for A Delicate Balance , Best Play (Tony Awards) for A Delicate Balance, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Tiny Alice, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Tiny Alice, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Playwright of the Season (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Best Play (Tony Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Author (Drama Desk Awards) for The Zoo Story and Distinguished Play (Obie Awards) for The Zoo Story.

What awards has Edward Albee won?

Edward Albee has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Legend of Off Broadway Award, The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards), and a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? and was awarded Best Play by the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?. His accolades also include Outstanding Lifetime Achievement from The Lortels and Best Play at the Tony Awards for Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?. Furthermore, he received Best Play from the Evening Standard Awards for Three Tall Women and Best Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same work. He has been honored with a Sustained Achievement award from the Obie Awards and is a three-time recipient of The Pulitzer Prize for Drama, awarded for Three Tall Women, Seascape, and A Delicate Balance. Additional honors include Best Play from the Evening Standard Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, as well as Best Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards and Best Playwright of the Season from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He also received Best Play at the Tony Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Best Author from the Drama Desk Awards for The Zoo Story, along with the Distinguished Play award from the Obie Awards for The Zoo Story.

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