Alvin Epstein Headshot

Alvin Epstein

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Alvin Epstein BIO

Alvin Epstein was an American actor, director, and teacher who was born on May 16, 1925, in the Bronx, New York City. Epstein was a graduate of the High School of Music and Art in New York City and later attended the Yale School of Drama. He made his Broadway debut in 1956 in the play "Tonight in Samarkand" and went on to appear in several other productions on the Great White Way.
Epstein was known for his work in avant-garde theater and experimental productions. He was a founding member of the Open Theater, an experimental theater company that was active in the 1960s and 1970s. Epstein also worked with the Living Theatre and the Theatre of the Absurd.
In addition to his work in theater, Epstein appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career. He had a small role in the 1967 film "The Graduate" and appeared in the television series "Law & Order" and "The Sopranos."
Epstein was also a respected teacher of acting and directing. He taught at several institutions, including the Yale School of Drama, the Juilliard School, and the Harvard University Department of Visual and Environmental Studies.
One of Epstein's most notable roles was as Lucky in Samuel Beckett's play "Waiting for Godot." Epstein played the role in several productions, including a 1978 production at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and a 2009 production at the Classical Theatre of Harlem. Epstein also directed several productions of "Godot" throughout his career.
Epstein received several accolades for his work in theater. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the 1977 play "The Great God Brown." Epstein also received an Obie Award for his performance in the 1963 play "The Balcony" and a Drama Desk Award for his performance in the 1984 play "Endgame."
Epstein continued to work in theater throughout his career. In 2015, he appeared in the Off-Broadway production of "John" at the Signature Theatre Company. Epstein received critical acclaim for his performance in the play, which was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
Alvin Epstein passed away on December 10, 2018, at the age of 93. He was remembered by his colleagues and fans as a talented actor, director, and teacher who made significant contributions to the world of theater.

Alvin Epstein STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theater Production, 2012
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Production, 2011
Fiers

[Off-Broadway]
2009
Polonius

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Jo

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Firs

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Nagg

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Jonathan Jeremiah Peachum

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Dr. Bonfant

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Hamm

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1979
Performer

Performer

Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[College/University (US)]
World Premiere, 1974
Aeakos

[Off-Broadway]
1967
Theseus/ Oberon

[Off-Broadway]
1967
Sergeant

[Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Broadway]
1964
Trotsky

Alexander Lomov

Constable Kentinov

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Luc Delbert

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Colonel Spicer

Boy

Child

Performer

Sergeant

Narrator

[Off-Broadway]
1958
Clov

[Off-Broadway]
1957
Vicomte Octave de Clerambard

[Off-Broadway]
1956
O'Killigain

[Broadway]
1956
Lucky

[Broadway]
1955
Performer

Alvin Epstein Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1984]
Director
 
[Regional (US), 1971]
Director

Alvin Epstein Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actor

Alvin Epstein, The Cherry Orchard


winner
Obie Awards - 2007 - Lifetime Achievement

Alvin Epstein


winner
Obie Awards - 2007 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Alvin Epstein


winner
Obie Awards - 1967 - Performance

Alvin EpsteinDynamite Tonight

Alvin Epstein Videos

Alvin Epstein News


Christine Toy Johnson's Solo Show Will Benefit The Dramatists Guild Foundation And Entertainment Community Fund


Moongate Productions presents a performance of A LITTLE MORE BLUE, written and performed by award-winning writer/actor/advocate for inclusion Christine Toy Johnson on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 3 pm at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum.

Christine Toy Johnson to Present A LITTLE MORE BLUE at Riverside Theatre


Abingdon Theatre Company is partnering with Christine Toy Johnson’s A Little More Blue as part of their DMW Greer One Night Only Series

Have There Been Many Two-Person Broadway Musicals Before GUTENBERG?


This time, the reader question was: Have there been many Broadway musicals starring only two actors, before Gutenberg! The Musical!?

Listen: Branden Jacobs-Jenkins Discusses His Early Work & More on THE DRAMATISTS GUILD PRESENTS: TALKBACK


The Dramatists Guild of America is presenting season four of The Dramatists Guild Presents: TALKBACK. The Guild celebrates writers from a diverse array of backgrounds and how they’ve built meaningful careers within a constantly evolving industry. The first episode of the season debuts today with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Listen here!

Berkeley Repertory Theatre's The Ground Floor to Celebrate 10th Anniversary With Upcoming Residency Lab


Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer and Director of the Ground Floor Madeleine Oldham announced the Residency Lab participants and the return to full capacity of the Residency Lab portion of The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work.

Listen: Michael R. Jackson and Rona Siddiqui Talk A STRANGE LOOP on THE DRAMATISTS GUILD PRESENTS: TALKBACK


Listen now to the special A Strange Loop episode of The Dramatists Guild Presents: TALKBACK, available today. This special episode features Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award nominated A Strange Loop composer, lyricist and writer Michael R. Jackson and music director Rona Siddiqui in conversation with host Christine Toy Johnson.

Christine Toy Johnson's A LITTLE MORE BLUE to be Presented at Abingdon Theatre Company


Abingdon Theatre Company will present the solo audio play “A Little More Blue” by Christine Toy Johnson Tuesday, June 7th on their website, followed by a talkback with Johnson hosted by Reggie Lee.

HARMONY, ASSASSINS & More Win 2022 Off Broadway Alliance Awards


The Off Broadway Alliance, an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals, today announced the winners of the 11th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2021-2022 season.

KIMBERLY AKIMBO, HARMONY & More Nominated for Off Broadway Alliance Awards


The Off Broadway Alliance, an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals, has announced the nominees for the 11th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2021-2022 season. 

Kathryn Posin Adds Second Performance and New Work at the Gene Frankel Theater


Added to the program will be the premiere of Posin's 'Postlude,' conceived when, according to Posin, 'the company gathered together to restage an earlier work, and late-stage pandemic ghosts came to haunt us in the Gene Frankel Theatre.'

Kathryn Posin Receives Major Grant and Gives Free NoHo Performance


Company member Daniel White will perform Touch Me by Gerald Arpino. Company members Claire Mazza and Alejandro Ulloa will present their duet Through You, and Posin will present an excerpt from her latest work Triple Sextet to Steve Reich's Pulitzer Prize-winning Double Sextet.  

Finalists Announced for The 2nd Annual HEAR ME OUT MONOLOGUE COMPETITION


With over 400 submissions from around the world, this year's Hear Me Out New American Monologue Competition's founder Roland Tec has announced this year's 13 finalists.

Austin Pendleton, Gretchen Cryer, Christine Toy Johnson & Charlayne Woodard to Judge HEAR ME OUT Monologue Competition


Hear Me Out New American Monologue Competition’s founder Roland Tec has announced this year’s Finalist Judges Gretchen Cryer, Christine Toy Johnson, Austin Pendleton, and Charlayne Woodard: all award-winning playwrights with equally masterful careers as performers.

'HEAR ME OUT' NEW AMERICAN MONOLOGUE COMPETITION Now Seeking Submissions


Following the success of last year's competition, the Hear Me Out New American Monologue Competition will return for a second season with twice the amount of cash prizes, totaling over $10,000. Submissions are FREE and can be made through July 22, 2021, at noon.

Theater Stories: ECLIPSED, SLAVE PLAY, HANGMEN and More About the John Golden Theatre


Today's Theater Stories features the John Golden Theatre! Learn about the shows to have graced the stage of the theatre including, The Normal Heart, A Doll's House, Part 2, Eclipsed, Slave Play, and many more!

The Off Broadway Alliance Announces Dates For The 10th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards


The Nominating Committee of the Off Broadway Alliance has announced important dates for the 10th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards.

ASP Launches Season with KING LEAR


Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) launches its 16th season with King Lear, performed at Chelsea Theatre Works in Chelsea, MA.  Performances run October 3-27, 2019. 

Peter Levine's New Play, APPLE, TABLE, PENNY, Headlines Emerging Artists Theatre's New Work Series


Peter Levine's humorous and poignant new play, APPLE, TABLE, PENNY, will headline Emerging Artist Theatre's Fall New Work Series. The limited run will play October 3 - 13 at TADA Theater and is directed by Jennifer Tuttle.

Regional Premiere THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT Opens In Gloucester


Gloucester Stage Company continues its 40th Anniversary Season of professional theater with the regional premiere of The Lifespan of a Fact from August 30 through September 22 at Gloucester Stage Company, 267 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA. Gloucester Stage is the first theater in the country to produce the critically-acclaimed The Lifespan of a Fact since the play's SRO smash hit world premiere Broadway run featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Cherry Jones, and Bobby Cannavale closed in January 2019.

Wake Up With BWW 6/18: First Look at the WEST SIDE STORY Cast, Debra Messing in BIRTHDAY CANDLES, and More!


Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: Debra Messing returns to Broadway, first look at the West Side Story cast, and more!

Alvin Epstein FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Alvin Epstein been in?

Alvin Epstein has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Alvin Epstein been in?

Alvin Epstein has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Alvin Epstein been nominated for?

Alvin Epstein has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Featured Actor at The Lortels for his role in The Cherry Orchard. He has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Obie Awards and a Performance award at the Obie Awards for his work in Dynamite Tonight.

What awards has Alvin Epstein won?

Alvin Epstein has won the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Performance Award at the Obie Awards for his work in "Dynamite Tonight."

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