August Wilson Headshot

August Wilson

Date of Death: October 02, 2005 (60)

Birth Place: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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August Wilson 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.

August Wilson Photos

August Wilson 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

August Wilson Videos

August Wilson News


Photos: First Look At THE COFFIN MAKER At Pittsburgh Public

See first look photos of Pittsburgh Public Theater's latest world premiere production THE COFFIN MAKER from local theater legend Mark Clayton Southers, directed by City Theatre Company Co-Artistic Director Monteze Freeland, opens in previews Wednesday, May 29, and closes Sunday, June 16.
Cast Set for August Wilson's FENCES at Crossroads Theatre Company

Crossroads Theatre Company has revealed the cast for August Wilson's FENCES, directed by co-founder Ricardo Khan. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Modern Verse Translation of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS & More Set for The Acting Company's 24-25 Season

The Acting Company has revealed its 2024-2025 season featuring Play On Shakespeare's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, promising an exciting lineup of performances. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Classical Theatre Of Harlem Announces Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

The Classical Theatre of Harlem will present A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM featuring comedian Russell Peters for the 2024 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park.
Broadway Classic FUNNY GIRL Heads To Hartford's Bushnell This June!

The beloved Broadway show FUNNY GIRL is set to grace Hartford's Bushnell this June, bringing its iconic story and music to life for theater enthusiasts.
CABARET Understudies To Go On For Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin in June & July

Cabaret understudies are set to go on as the Emcee and Sally Bowles for dates in June and July! Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin Discuss CABARET Tony Nominations on TODAY

Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna on Tuesday to discuss Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, now playing at the August Wilson Theatre. In Cabaret, Redmayne plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. He performs alongside Gayle Rankin as Sally Bowles, replacing Jessie Buckley from the West End production. Both have been nominated for a Tony Award for their performance. Watch the interview!
Heidi Blickenstaff, Alex Edelman, and More Receive Elliot Norton Awards; Full List

Awards were presented tonight in 37 categories including outstanding actors, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, productions and 4 visiting productions by the Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) at the 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards ceremony, held at the Huntington Theatre in Boston.  
INTO THE WOODS, FAT HAM & More Set for Oregon Shakespeare Festival 2025 Season

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival announces its 2025 season, celebrating its 90th anniversary with nine productions, including Shakespearean works, classics, August Wilson, and INTO THE WOODS, from March 7 to October 26.
Two River Theater Reveals Events And Accessibility Services for GEM OF THE OCEAN

Two River Theater has revealed the events and accessibility services for August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN, enhancing the theater experience with inclusive and engaging activities for all audiences. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to Gem of the Ocean!
Nadia Fall Appointed New Artistic Director Of The Young Vic Theatre

The Young Vic Theatre has announced the appointment of Nadia Fall as its new Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive.
Stephanie J. Block, Rob McClure, and More Receive 2024 Helen Hayes Awards

On May 20, 2024, the 40th Helen Hayes Awards took place at The Anthem on the District Wharf, with over 1,600 theatre-makers and theatre supporters in attendance. Learn more about the winners here!
ROYKO: THE TOUGHEST MAN IN CHICAGO To Open In Chicago In September

Toughest Man Productions and producers Lecy Goranson and Beth Kligerman have announced the world premiere of Royko: The Toughest Man In Chicago at Chopin Theatre.
Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Extends at Goodman Theatre Ahead of Opening

Goodman Theatre opens Sanaz Toossi's Pulitzer Prize-winning play English in a co-production with Guthrie Theater tonight, May 20, 2024, and adds five performances due to high demand for tickets.
Broadway By Design: CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

We continue with the creatives from Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club- Hair and Wig Designer Sam Cox, Make-Up Designer Guy Common, and Sound Designer Nick Lidster.
North American Tour of MYSTIC PIZZA to Launch in January 2025

The highly-anticipated musical adaptation of the 1988 classic movie MYSTIC PIZZA, which recently completed a critically hailed run at LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts this past January, will embark on a North American Tour in January 2025.
Review: Arts in Motion's Production of BIG FISH at the IPAC

BIG FISH is perhaps the ultimate Father’s Day musical, which is why I found it so ironic that I saw the Arts in Motion production of it the day before Mother’s Day. 
Interview: The Muny President and CEO Kwofe Coleman Says 'We Are Bringing Concerts Back to The Muny Stage'

The Muny in St. Louis announced today that they are bringing concerts back to their stage in Forest Park. In an interview with Broadway World, Muny president and CEO, Kwofe Coleman, shared that on September 7, 2024, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Winner John Legend will take the stage in Forest Park with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO.)  
BREAKING: Nostromo Live! estrenará EL DÍA DE LA MARMOTA en Barcelona

Las audiciones están abiertas para esta nueva gran producción en catalán dirigida por Àngel Llàcer y Manu Guix que se podrá en el Coliseum a partir del mes de diciembre.
Review: BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY, Hampstead Theatre

Walter Washington is stuck. Stuck in his recently deceased wife’s wheelchair. Stuck in “a rent-controlled palace ruled by a grieving despot king” that he can ill afford. Stuck waiting for City Hall to pay him what he considers his due after a thirty year-long cop career ended in a shooting incident. That’s a whole lot of stuck.

August Wilson 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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