Davida Siwisa James

Samm-Art Williams is an American playwright, screenwriter, and actor. He was born on September 13, 1946, in Burgaw, North Carolina.
Williams began his career as an actor, performing in several off-Broadway productions in the 1970s. He then turned his attention to playwriting and wrote his first play, "Home," which premiered off-Broadway in 1979. The play was a critical success and won an Obie Award for Best New American Play.
In 1982, Williams wrote "The Pee Wee Herman Show," which was performed at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. The show was a hit and led to the creation of the popular children's television show, "Pee-wee's Playhouse."
Williams continued to write plays throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Woman from the Town," "Friends," and "Welcome to Black River." His play "Home" was adapted into a television movie in 1987, starring Esther Rolle and Alfre Woodard.
In addition to his work in theater, Williams has also written for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 1994 film "Strictly Business," which starred Tommy Davidson and Halle Berry. He also wrote for the television series "Martin" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Williams returned to the stage in 2003, starring in the Broadway production of August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean." He also appeared in the Broadway productions of "The Poison Tree" and "The Mighty Gents."
Williams' most recent work includes the play "Trembling Earth," which premiered at the New Jersey Repertory Company in 2018. The play explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on a family in New Orleans.
Throughout his career, Williams has been recognized for his contributions to theater. In addition to his Obie Award, he has also received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play for "Home" and a Drama Desk Award nomination for "The Dance on Widows' Row."
Williams has also been honored for his work in the African American community. He received the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in 2003 and was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame in 2010.
In addition to his writing and acting, Williams has also taught at several universities, including Rutgers University and the University of Southern California. He currently resides in New Jersey.
Samm-Art Williams' career has spanned several decades and has made a significant impact on American theater. His plays explore themes of race, family, and identity, and his work has been recognized for its honesty and authenticity. Williams' most recent work, "Trembling Earth," continues his tradition of exploring important social issues through the lens of personal experience.