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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
Playwright
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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


STC's UNCLE VANYA & More Lead Washington, DC's April 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Mar 27, 2025

Washington, DC 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 STC's production of Uncle Vanya & more.
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
YOU WILL GET SICK Chicago Premiere is Coming to Steppenwolf Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of Noah Diaz’s You Will Get Sick, directed by Artistic Director Audrey Francis. Learn how to purchase tickets!
OUR TOWN Comes to Theater D This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 17, 2025

Deerfield Park District's Theater D will present Thornton Wilder's American classic, Our Town at Caruso Auditorium. Edward Albee, the three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright called Our Town, 'The greatest American play ever written.'
Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Portland Center Stage
by Krista Garver - Mar 14, 2025

This darkly humorous and devastating exploration of relationships, illusion, and human fragility remains as relevant and impactful today as it was over 60 years ago.
Elsinore to Make Chicago Debut With THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025

Elsinore will make their Chicago debut with the timely dramatic comedy The Lifespan of a Fact by Jeremy Kareken & David Murrell and Gordon Farrell at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture. Learn more!
Soho Playhouse To Present World Premiere Of J.S. Streible's GLOAMING, NOWHERE
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

SoHo Playhouse will present the world premiere of Gloaming, Nowhere, created and performed by J.S. Streible, with original songs by Streible, running March 12 – April 5, 2025 in a limited engagement for 23 performances in the theater's intimate Huron Room. Previews begin March 12 for a March 15 opening.
Veteran Theatrical Press Agent David Rothenberg To Release New Book In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

David Rothenberg, a theatre producer, playwright, and Broadway press agent, will release Manhattan Mayhem, a collection of short fiction, inspired by his nine decades in the entertainment industry. Manhattan Mayhem will be officially released April 2.
GLOAMING NOWHERE World Premiere to Begin Tonight at SoHo Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

SoHo Playhouse will present the world premiere of Gloaming, Nowhere, created and performed by J.S. Streible. Learn more!
Meet the Cast of GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2025

Good Night, and Good Luck is now in previews on Broadway,  The new play by George Clooney and Grant Heslov and directed by Tony Award winner David Cromer, stars Clooney in his Broadway debut. Meet the cast here!
SACCO & VANZETTI ARE DEAD! Announces Debut Run, Tickets On Sale Now
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 4, 2025

From the team that birthed the Edinburgh Fringe-hit show, Hey, That's My Wife! Good Crack Productions is back with their latest epic satire, Sacco & Vanzetti Are Dead!
James Bundy to Step Down From Positions at David Geffen School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 27, 2025

James Bundy, who has served Yale since 2002 as the fifth Elizabeth Parker Ware Dean of David Geffen School of Drama and fourth Artistic Director of Yale Repertory Theatre, will step down from these positions on June 30, 2026.
See Stand-up Comedian Raanan Hershberg & Friends at Debonair Music Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025

Dovi Neuburger will present Pre-Purim comedy with Raanan Hershberg & Friends, ft. Eitan Levine and Eli Lebowicz, at Debonair Music Hall. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
CIRCLE FORWARD World Premiere and More Set for Gulfshore Playhouse 25-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse has revealed the complete 2025-2026 season. Performances begin October 21, 2025. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Local Premiere Of OUR TOWN (MULTILINGUAL) is Coming to San Jacinto College South
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 19, 2025

San Jacinto College South Theatre & Film will present the local premiere of the multilingual version of the classic Our Town, written by Thornton Wilder and enhanced with translated passages by Nilo Cruz and Jeff Augustin. Learn more
Carolina Actors Studio Theatre Marks Triumphant Return After Decade-Long Hiatus
by Joshua Wright - Feb 14, 2025

After a hiatus of over a decade, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) is set to stage a comeback with its upcoming production of Alabaster, a play by Audrey Cefaly. The theater, known for its immersive and experiential productions, will run the show from February 27 through March 16, 2025 at the Van Every Auditorium in the Mint Museum Randolph.
Portland Center Stage Presents Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2025

Portland Center Stage has announced its upcoming production of Edward Albee's iconic play, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?', directed by Marissa Wolf. The show will run from March 2 to March 30, 2025, on the U.S. Bank Main Stage at The Armory.
Peter Sarsgaard To Lead Martin Crimp's Version Of Molière's THE MISANTHROPE
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced the cast for the next offering of Revelation Readings season: The Misanthrope by Molière, a version by Martin Crimp, directed by Marc Vietor.
MATISYAHU Comes to Debonair Music Hall in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

 Black Box Studios, The Elated System & Deboanir Music Hall will present two nights with Matisyahu, ft. opener DuvBear, at Debonair Music Hall. Learn more here!
Judges and Date Set For The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

The organizers of The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize have announced that the playwriting award will be presented at an invitation-only event on Monday, March 10 at Playwrights Horizons in New York City. Learn more here!

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 prestigious awards throughout his career. These include 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. Albee won Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? and Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same work. 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?. Additionally, he won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for Three Tall Women, as well as Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Albee received a Sustained Achievement award from the Obie Awards and has been honored with three Pulitzer Prizes for Drama: for Three Tall Women, Seascape, and A Delicate Balance. He also won Best Play at the Evening Standard Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, along with Best Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same show. Albee was named Best Playwright of the Season by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and won Best Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. Lastly, he received Best Author at the Drama Desk Awards for The Zoo Story and Distinguished Play from the Obie Awards for the same work.

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