32 Facts About August Wilson

Early Life and Background

August Wilson, a celebrated American playwright, has a fascinating life story. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a literary giant is filled with interesting facts.

1. August Wilson was born Frederick August Kittel Jr. on April 27, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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 greatly influenced his work.
4. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 after being accused of plagiarism, choosing instead to educate himself at the local library.
5. Wilson legally 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 career began in the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by significant cultural and social changes in America.

6. He co-founded the Black Horizon Theater in Pittsburgh in 1968 with his friend Rob Penny.
7. His first play, "Recycling," was performed for audiences in small theaters and community centers.
8. Wilson's early works often explored themes of African American identity and the struggles of black Americans.
9. He moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1978, where he began to gain national recognition for his work.
10. Wilson received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1980, which allowed him to focus on his writing full-time.

The Pittsburgh Cycle

Wilson is best known for his Pittsburgh Cycle, a series of ten plays that depict African American life in each decade of the 20th century.

11. The first play in the cycle, "Jitney," was written in 1982 and set in a 1970s jitney cab station.
12. "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," the second play, premiered in 1984 and is set in a 1920s Chicago recording studio.
13. "Fences," perhaps his most famous work, debuted in 1985 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987.
14. Each play in the cycle is set in Pittsburgh's Hill District, except for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
15. The cycle includes other notable plays such as "The Piano Lesson," "Seven Guitars," and "King Hedley II."

Awards and Recognition

Wilson's contributions to theater have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.

16. He won his first Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987 for "Fences."
17. Wilson received his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990 for "The Piano Lesson."
18. He was awarded the Tony Award for Best Play in 1987 for "Fences."
19. In 1995, Wilson was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
20. He received the National Humanities Medal in 1999 from President Bill Clinton.

Personal Life

Wilson's personal life was as rich and complex as his plays, filled with both triumphs and challenges.

21. He was married three times and had two daughters, Sakina Ansari-Wilson and Azula Carmen Wilson.
22. Wilson was diagnosed with liver cancer in June 2005.
23. He passed away on October 2, 2005, at the age of 60.
24. His funeral was held at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, attended by many prominent figures from the theater world.
25. Wilson's legacy continues to influence and inspire new generations of playwrights and actors.

Legacy and Impact

Wilson's work has left an indelible mark on American theater and culture, continuing to resonate with audiences today.

26. The August Wilson Theatre on Broadway was named in his honor in 2005, making him the first African American to have a Broadway theater named after him.
27. His plays are frequently performed in theaters across the United States and around the world.
28. Wilson's work has been adapted into films, including the 2016 adaptation of "Fences" directed by and starring Denzel Washington.
29. The August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh celebrates his life and work through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.
30. Wilson's influence extends beyond theater, impacting literature, film, and television.

Fun Facts

Here are some lesser-known facts about August Wilson that add more color to his already vibrant story.

31. Wilson was a passionate blues music fan, often incorporating blues themes and motifs into his plays.
32. He was an avid reader and was particularly influenced by the works of Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, and Amiri Baraka.

August Wilson's Enduring Legacy

August Wilson's work remains a cornerstone of American theater. His plays, like "Fences" and "The Piano Lesson," continue to resonate with audiences, shedding light on the African American experience. Wilson's unique voice and storytelling prowess have earned him numerous awards, including two Pulitzer Prizes. His dedication to portraying the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans has left an indelible mark on the arts.

Wilson's influence extends beyond the stage, inspiring new generations of playwrights and actors. His commitment to authenticity and cultural representation has set a high standard in the theater world. As we reflect on his contributions, it's clear that August Wilson's legacy will endure, reminding us of the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. His work not only entertains but also educates, making him a true luminary in American literature and drama.