tracker
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows (beta) Register/Login Games Grosses
Edward Albee Headshot

Edward Albee

Also Credited As: Edward Franklin Albee

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

Get Edward Albee Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Edward Albee was an American playwright known for his darkly comedic and often controversial works. Born on March 12, 1928, in Washington, D.C., Albee was adopted as an infant by Reed and Frances Albee, a wealthy couple who owned vaudeville theaters. He was raised in Westchester County, New York, and attended a number of private schools before being expelled from one for academic reasons.


Albee's interest in theater began at a young age, and he began writing plays in his teens. He attended Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, but left after just a year and a half. He moved to New York City in 1949 and began working odd jobs while trying to establish himself as a writer.
Albee's breakthrough came in 1959 with the production of his play "The Zoo Story" at the Provincetown Playhouse in Greenwich Village. The play, which depicts a chance encounter between two strangers in Central Park, was an immediate success and established Albee as a major voice in American theater.
In the years that followed, Albee wrote a number of highly regarded plays, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1962), "A Delicate Balance" (1966), and "Seascape" (1975). His work was known for its dark humor, incisive social commentary, and unconventional structure.
Albee was also known for his involvement in the theater community. He served as the president of the Dramatists Guild from 1973 to 1981 and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. He was also a frequent collaborator with other artists, including composer William Flanagan and director Mike Nichols.
In addition to his work in the theater, Albee also wrote for film and television. He adapted his play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" for the screen in 1966, earning an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1970 film "The Ballad of the Sad Cafe."
Albee's personal life was marked by tragedy and controversy. He was openly gay at a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized, and his relationships with men were often the subject of tabloid speculation. He was also estranged from his adoptive parents and had a difficult relationship with his mother in particular.
Albee died on September 16, 2016, at his home in Montauk, New York, at the age of 88. His legacy as one of America's most important playwrights continues to be celebrated, and his work remains a staple of theater productions around the world.

Photos

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2020]
Playwright
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1993]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Producer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1964]
Producer

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Librettist
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright

Awards and Nominations


winner
- 2012 - Legend of Off Broadway Award

Edward Albee


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead

Edward Albee

Olivier Awards - 2007 - Best Revival

Edward AlbeeWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best New Play

Edward AlbeeThe Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
Tony Awards - 2005 - Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Edward Albee

The Pulitzer Prize - 2003 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who is Sylvia

The Pulitzer Prize - 2003 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who is Sylvia


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Play

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Edward Albee, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?


winner
The Lortels - 2002 - Outstanding Lifetime Achievement

Edward Albee


winner
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Best American Play

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

The Pulitzer Prize - 2001 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

The Pulitzer Prize - 2001 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, The Play About the Baby

Olivier Awards - 1995 - BBC Award for the Play of the Year

Edward AlbeeThree Tall Women


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Edward AlbeeThree Tall Women


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Three Tall Women


winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Sustained Achievement

Edward Albee


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1994 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, Three Tall Women

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding New American Play

Edward Albee, Seascape

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1975 - Best American Play

Edward Albee, Seascape


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1975 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, Seascape

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Seascape

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1967 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance

Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Play

Edward Albee, A Delicate Balance

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Tiny Alice

Tony Awards - 1965 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Tiny Alice


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1964 - Best Play

Edward AlbeeWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Tony Awards - 1964 - Best Play

Edward Albee, The Ballad of the Sad Cafe


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1963 - Best Playwright of the Season

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1960 - Best Author

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story


winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Distinguished Play

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story

Videos

News


Helen Shaw Joins The New York Times as Chief Theater Critic
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2025

Helen Shaw has joined The New York Times' Culture desk as chief theater critic. She will begin the position in mid-January. Helen was previously the theater critic and a staff writer at The New Yorker.
Gulfshore Playhouse to Present the Inaugural NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL: A Celebration of New Voices in American Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse will launch of the Next Wave Festival, a dynamic new play festival showcasing cutting-edge theatrical voices from across the country. Taking place January 31 - February 1, 2026.
Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART to be Presented at Sydney Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 28, 2025

Almost forty years after its Australian premiere at Sydney Theatre Company in 1989, Larry Kramer's groundbreaking, semi-autobiographical and Tony and Olivier Award-winning masterpiece The Normal Heart returns for STC's 2026 season.
SoHo Playhouse Unveils Lineup for 2026 International Fringe Encore Series Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

SoHo Playhouse has revealed the lineup for the 2026 International Fringe Encore Series, running Off-Broadway. Shows include the U.S. premiere of Diana, direct from the Edinburgh Fringe, plus more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 24, 2025- TWO STRANGERS (CARRY A CAKE ACROSS NEW YORK) Opens On Broadway and More
by - Nov 24, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 24, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon Will Depart American Conservatory Theater
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

American Conservatory Theater announced that Tony Award–winning Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon will depart the Bay Area’s premier nonprofit theater organization at the close of the 2025/26 season.
REVIEWS: Mind Games, Madness And Marriages Merge In A Captivating Expression Of Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by Jade Kops - Nov 21, 2025

Following on from 2023 and 2024 seasons in Melbourne, Sarah Goodes’ (Director) presentation of Edward Albee’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? opens in Sydney. 
SoHo Playhouse Unveils Full Lineup For 2026 International FRINGE ENCORE Series
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 20, 2025

SoHo Playhouse has announced the complete lineup for the 2026 International Fringe Encore Series, running Off-Broadway from January 3 to March 29. The annual program extends the New York life of standout productions from Fringe festivals around the world.
Review: SCENE & HEARD: MOLLY'S MAINSTAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL at Southern Arkansas University Magnolia
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 19, 2025

Performing One Acts has increasingly become a popular way for schools to give more students meaningful stage time while exploring bold themes within a manageable rehearsal window, and Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia embraced that spirit beautifully with their Scene & Heard: Molly's Mainstage Theatre Festival! Presented November 8–10, the festival was entirely student-directed, student-designed, and student-produced, showcasing the remarkable creativity and leadership flourishing within their program. 
Cast Set For Edward Albee's AT HOME AT THE ZOO at Ruth Stage
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025

Ruth Stage will return to the Jersey Shore Arts Center with Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo — the complete and fully realized version of The Zoo Story, presented with the approval of the Edward Albee Estate.
Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Gulfshore Playhouse
by Elizabeth James - Nov 6, 2025

What did our critic think of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? at Gulfshore Playhouse?
Carlsbad Playreaders' WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Performs November 3
by Gillian Blum - Nov 1, 2025

The Carlsbad Playreaders will perform Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee on November 3 at 7 p.m. at The Carlsbad Library's Schulman Auditorium.
WHAT IF THEY ATE THE BABY? Comes to SoHo Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Oct 30, 2025

SoHo Playhouse will present the U.S. premiere of What If They Ate The Baby?, written, directed and performed by the playhouse's artists in residence, Xhloe Rice and Natasha Roland, running Off-Broadway November 19 - December 22, 2025.
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY to Open Crossroads Theatre Company 47th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2025

Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season with, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here.
New York Theater Festival Will Present THE DISCERNING DUMMY World Premiere
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

New York Theater Festival will premiere The Discerning Dummy by Juan Carlos Hernandez at The LATEA Theater, running November 17–22, 2025. The play follows a young seminarian and his ventriloquist dummy as they navigate questions of faith, corruption, and conscience.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Comes to Sydney Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Oct 21, 2025

Logie-award winner Kat Stewart (Underbelly, Offspring) and her real-life husband David Whiteley will make their Sydney Theatre Company debut this November in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
ANNABEL'S SISTER by George Kolber to Have Industry Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

Annabel’s Sister, a new play by George Kolber, will present two industry readings in New York, directed by Matt Okin. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Workshop of CODE RED Comes to Mosaic Theater Company
by Stephi Wild - Oct 16, 2025

Mosaic Theater Company will present a workshop for CODE RED, a new play that illuminates day-to-day life in an environment perpetually alert—the American public school system.
Edward Albee's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Comes to Oxford Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Oct 6, 2025

Oxford Playhouse has announced a bold new production of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which will be staged as part of its spring 2026 season and directed by Playhouse Artistic Director, Mike Tweddle.
Interview: Rob Melrose of ALLEY and the ALL NEW Play Festival at ALLEY THEATRE
by Brett Cullum - Oct 3, 2025

'We're really proud because we've put a big focus on new work in the past. Some of these even began as readings at our Alley New Festival. They have worked their way up to a full production at the Alley and then beyond.' - Rob Melrose

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Edward Albee written?

Edward Albee has written 35 shows including Breakfast at Tiffany's (Bookwriter), The Zoo Story (Playwright), Fam and Yam (Playwright), The American Dream/ The Death of Bessie Smith (Playwright), Bartleby (Librettist), The Zoo Story/ The American Dream (Playwright), The Ballad of the Sad Cafe (Playwright), The American Dream/ Dutchman (Playwright), Krapp's Last Tape/ The Zoo Story (Playwright), Malcolm (Playwright), Everything in the Garden (Playwright), Tiny Alice (Playwright), All Over (Playwright), The Lady from Dubuque (Playwright), Lolita (Playwright), The Man Who Had Three Arms (Playwright), Marriage Play (Playwright), Counting the Ways/Listening (Playwright), Sand: Box, The Sandbox and Finding the Sun (Playwright), Fragments (Playwright), Three Tall Women (Playwright), A Delicate Balance (Playwright), The Play About the Baby (Playwright), Tiny Alice (Playwright), The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? (Playwright), Edward Albee's Occupant (Playwright), Beckett/Albee (Playwright), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Playwright), Seascape (Playwright), Peter and Jerry (Playwright), Edward Albee's The American Dream and The Sandbox (Playwright), Edward Albee's Occupant (Playwright), Me, Myself & I (Playwright), Signature Plays (Playwright), At Home at the Zoo: Homelife & The Zoo Story (Playwright).

What awards has Edward Albee been nominated for?

Legend of Off Broadway Award (), The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Revival (Olivier Awards) for Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Best New Play (Olivier Awards) for The Goat, Or Who Is Sylvia?, Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Goat or Who is Sylvia, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Goat or Who is Sylvia, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, Outstanding Lifetime Achievement (The Lortels), Best Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The Play About the Baby, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Play About the Baby, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for The Play About the Baby, BBC Award for the Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Three Tall Women, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Three Tall Women, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Three Tall Women, Sustained Achievement (Obie Awards), The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Three Tall Women, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Outstanding New American Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Seascape, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Seascape, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Seascape, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Seascape , Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for A Delicate Balance, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for A Delicate Balance , Best Play (Tony Awards) for A Delicate Balance, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Tiny Alice, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Tiny Alice, Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Ballad of the Sad Cafe, Best Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Playwright of the Season (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Best Play (Tony Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Best Author (Drama Desk Awards) for The Zoo Story and Distinguished Play (Obie Awards) for The Zoo Story.

What awards has Edward Albee won?

Edward Albee has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. These include the Legend of Off Broadway Award, the Helen Hayes Tribute sponsored by Jaylee Mead from the Helen Hayes Awards, and a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. He won the Outstanding Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? as well as Best Play from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same work. Albee was honored with Outstanding Lifetime Achievement by The Lortels. The Tony Awards recognized Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? as Best Play. Additionally, he won Best Play from the Evening Standard Awards and the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Three Tall Women. He received the Sustained Achievement honor from the Obie Awards. Notably, Albee won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama three times, for Three Tall Women, Seascape, and A Delicate Balance. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? earned him Best Play accolades from the Evening Standard Awards, the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and the Tony Awards. He was also named Best Playwright of the Season by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? For The Zoo Story, Albee was recognized as Best Author by the Drama Desk Awards and received the Distinguished Play award from the Obie Awards.

Get Edward Albee Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos