33 August Wilson Facts That You Won't Find Anywhere Else
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August Wilson is a popular name in the history of American literature.
He wrote 10 plays that depict African American life. Wilson wrote to showcase the experiences had in the American lifestyle.
He received many awards and the reputed Pulitzer Prize for his contribution to the playwright industry. His plays are regarded as some of the best plays and are studied by aspiring authors and writers.
August Wilson had a charming personality and a deep passion for the craft of writing. August Wilson married his first wife Brenda Burton in the year 1969 and fathered a daughter Sakina Ansari Wilson.
Fun Facts About August Wilson
August Wilson was an African American playwright. He was also an author and had a creative career.
- August Wilson was born in the Hill District of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. August was born in the year 1945.
- He was born to Daisy Wilson. He was six siblings.
- His father was Frederick Kittle who was a baker. Frederick contributed very little to the upbringing of August Wilson.
- Frederick died in 1965 and August took the surname of his mother and thus came to be known as August Wilson.
- His mother remarried to David Bedford who became August’s stepfather.
- August Wilson was a secular person in a true sense since he got married to Brenda Burton in 1969. He converted to Islam in the same year.
- However, this marriage did not last and the couple divorced after four years.
- In 1981, August married Judy. Judy Oliver was his second wife till 1990.
- Four years after his divorce from Judy, Wilson married Constanza Romero.
- He has a daughter named Sakina Wilson who was born in 1970 with his first wife.
- In the year 1990, August Wilson moved to Seattle. His second child Azula Wilson was born in 1997.
- In June 2005, August Wilson was diagnosed with cancer. This deteriorated his health and the legendary author August Wilson died of liver cancer in Seattle, in the year 2005.
Facts About August Wilson's Writings
August loved to write plays and his passion for art grew as his career was gaining popularity.
- In 1984, August Wilson wrote a play 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom' which was staged at the Yale Repertory. This play won a New York Drama Critics Circle Award.
- Another play called 'Fences' was premiered in 1985 and 1986.
- 'Joe Turner’s Come and Gone' was also premiered at the same theater. These plays received an overwhelming response and portrayed black culture.
- In 1987, 'Fences' was also staged on Broadway. August Wilson won the Pulitzer Prize for many plays that he wrote.
- 'Fences' was the first play that was given a Pulitzer Prize. August wrote other plays like the 'Piano Lesson', 'Two Running Trains', 'Seven Guitars', 'King Hedley', and 'Gem of the Ocean'.
- From 1985-2002 August Wilson wrote many plays and poems that portrayed African American life.
Facts About August Wilson's Accomplishments
Let's take a closer look at the accomplishments of August Wilson!
- August Wilson did not have an interest in academics and therefore dropped out of school.
- Wilson did many jobs before joining the US Army in 1962.
- Wilson wrote his first play 'The Homecoming' which was staged at the Kuntu Repertory Theater in 1976.
- Wilson also wrote a musical play 'Black Bart and the Sacred Hills'.
- August Wilson found work as a writer at the St Paul Science Museum. Later he was granted a fellowship too. This time he wrote a play 'Jitney' which was directed by Marion McClinton.
- The National Playwrights Conference accepted Wilson’s play 'Ma Rainey’s Back Bottom' in 1982.
- August Wilson was fortunate to receive the guidance of a well-experienced and knowledgeable mentor. Hemet Lloyd Richards was the Dean of Yale University and Art Director at the theater.
- Lloyd Richards was also an African American and hence took a deeper interest in Wilson's writings and plays. He mentored Wilson and directed his first six plays that were staged on Broadway.
- Wilson received several honors for his writings. He was given the awards of New York Drama Critics Circle for best play.
- In fact, after August Wilson died the Virginia Theater on Broadway was given his name. It is now known as August Wilson Theater for his immense contribution to American literature.
- Wilson’s play 'Fences' received a Tony Award.
Facts About August Wilson's Education
August Wilson's education is an interesting topic to know about. Read on to find out about his school life here!
- August Wilson did not have a normal school life. Wilson faced many incidences of bullying and discrimination in his school. Wilson was at a private school called Central Catholic High but he left the school as he was a constant victim of bullying.
- These traumatic incidents are reflected in Wilson’s writings and plays.
- He was then admitted to Connelly Vocational High School and then to Gladstone High School. He did not have a keen interest in conventional subjects or academics and thus decided to drop out of school.
- He spent many hours at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and developed an interest in writing and studying literature.
- August Wilson educated himself with writings and experiences of famous authors and reading on versatile topics.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature
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As a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individual, Olaleye's expertise lies in administrative and management operations. With extensive knowledge as an Editor and Communications Analyst, Olaleye excels in editing, writing, and media relations. Her commitment to upholding professional ethics and driving organizational growth sets her apart. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Benin, Edo State.
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