29 Best Facts About August Wilson

Early Life and Background

August Wilson, a celebrated American playwright, has a fascinating life story. Here are some intriguing facts about his early years and background.

1. August Wilson was born on April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His birth name was Frederick August Kittel Jr.

2. His father, Frederick August Kittel Sr., was a German immigrant, while his mother, Daisy Wilson, was an African American woman from North Carolina.

3. Wilson grew up in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, a predominantly African American neighborhood that heavily influenced his work.

4. He dropped out of high school in the ninth grade after being accused of plagiarism. He continued his education by reading books at the local library.

5. Wilson changed his name from Frederick August Kittel Jr. to August Wilson in 1965 to honor his mother after his father's death.

Career Beginnings

Wilson's journey to becoming a renowned playwright wasn't straightforward. Here are some key moments that marked the start of his career.

6. He co-founded the Black Horizon Theater in Pittsburgh in 1968, where he began writing and directing plays.

7. His first play, "Recycling," was performed at the Black Horizon Theater in 1973.

8. Wilson moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1978, where he continued to develop his craft and gained recognition in the theater community.

9. His breakthrough came with the play "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," which premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 1984.

10. Wilson received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1980, which allowed him to focus on his writing.

The Pittsburgh Cycle

Wilson is best known for his Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays. Each play is set in a different decade, depicting African American life in the 20th century.

11. The first play in the cycle, "Jitney," was written in 1979 but wasn't published until 2000.

12. "Fences," one of the most famous plays in the cycle, won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987.

13. "The Piano Lesson," another play in the cycle, also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990.

14. Each play in the cycle is set in Pittsburgh's Hill District, except for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," which is set in Chicago.

15. The final play in the cycle, "Radio Golf," premiered in 2005, just a few months before Wilson's death.

Awards and Recognition

Wilson's work has earned him numerous awards and accolades. Here are some highlights of his achievements.

16. He won two Pulitzer Prizes for Drama, for "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson."

17. Wilson received a Tony Award for Best Play for "Fences" in 1987.

18. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Bill Clinton in 1999.

19. Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006.

20. He received the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play multiple times, including for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone."

Personal Life and Legacy

Wilson's personal life and legacy continue to inspire many. Here are some facts about his life outside of his career.

21. He was married three times and had two daughters, Sakina Ansari and Azula Carmen Wilson.

22. Wilson was diagnosed with liver cancer in June 2005 and passed away on October 2, 2005, at the age of 60.

23. His legacy lives on through the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh, which opened in 2009.

24. The Virginia Theater on Broadway was renamed the August Wilson Theatre in 2005, making it the first Broadway theater named after an African American.

25. Wilson's work continues to be performed and studied worldwide, highlighting the African American experience and contributing to American theater.

Influence and Impact

Wilson's influence extends beyond his plays. Here are some ways he has impacted the world of theater and beyond.

26. He mentored many young playwrights, including Suzan-Lori Parks and Lynn Nottage.

27. Wilson's plays have been adapted into films, including "Fences," which was directed by and starred Denzel Washington.

28. His work has inspired numerous academic studies and books, analyzing his contribution to literature and theater.

29. Wilson's commitment to portraying authentic African American experiences has paved the way for more diverse voices in theater and the arts.

Celebrating August Wilson's Legacy

August Wilson's impact on American theater is undeniable. His plays, rich with cultural and historical significance, have left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike. Wilson's dedication to portraying the African American experience through authentic characters and compelling narratives has earned him numerous accolades, including two Pulitzer Prizes.

His work continues to inspire new generations of playwrights and actors, ensuring that his voice remains a vital part of the theatrical landscape. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or new to his plays, exploring Wilson's body of work offers a profound understanding of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout the 20th century.

By celebrating his legacy, we honor not just a playwright, but a storyteller who brought to life the richness of African American culture and history. Dive into his plays, and you'll find a world both familiar and enlightening.