Edward Albee Headshot

Edward Albee

Also Credited As: Edward Franklin Albee

Date of Birth: March 12, 1928 (95)

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Edward Albee 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.

Edward Albee Photos

Edward Albee STAGE CREDITS

Edward Albee 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
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Playwright

Edward Albee Awards and Nominations

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?

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

Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Play

Edward Albee, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Best Play

Edward Albee, The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Play

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

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

Evening Standard Awards - 1994 - Best Play

Edward AlbeeThree Tall Women

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Director - Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Seascape

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

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

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

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

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Play

Edward Albee, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Drama Desk Awards - 1960 - Best Author

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story

Obie Awards - 1960 - Distinguished Play

Edward Albee, The Zoo Story

Edward Albee Videos

Edward Albee News

Review: GUILTY PLEASURES: AN UNAPOLOGETIC COMEDY BY KEN LEVINE at Black Box PAC

What did our critic think of GUILTY PLEASURES: AN UNAPOLOGETIC COMEDY BY KEN LEVINE at Black Box PAC?

THE ZOO STORY Plays The Saturni Theatre Next Month

Brand new fringe theatre company, the Saturni Theatre Troupe, debuts with their inaugural production of The Zoo Story, by Edward Albee. Isolated and marginalized for his homosexuality, Jerry violently strains against the conventional world to make a connection with Peter, a mild-mannered bookworm. Alienated by Peter's own prejudice, Jerry must break the boundaries between them by transforming an act of violence into an act of love.

Free Staged Readings Of EDWARD ALBEE: FROM A TO ZOO To Be Presented At The Black Box

The Black Box, Northern NJ's incubator for new and under produced works from world-class artists, has announced a remarkable new offering starting next Wednesday May 24th.

Photos: First Look At Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE At Invictus Theatre Company

Invictus Theatre Company has released first look photos for its upcoming revival of Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE.

WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? is Coming to the Hatbox Theatre This Month

Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is coming to the Hatbox Theatre May 26th through June 11th.

Leslie Bramm's New Play, MOLLY JONES STEALS HOME Will Be Presented At Alchemical Studio

Leslie Bramm's new play, Molly Jones Steals Home, will be presented at Alchemical Studio in NYC at May 21 st 7pm. Directed by Saki Kawamura.

2023 Second Stage Theater Uptown Series to Present TOROS By Danny Tejera This Summer

Second Stage Theater will present TOROS, written by Danny Tejera and directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch, this summer at Second Stage Theater Uptown.

5th Wall Theatre's Founding Artistic Director Emeritus Carol Piersol Passes Away

5th Wall Theatre has announced the passing on May 9th, 2023, of Founding Artistic Director Emeritus Carol Piersol.

Photos: Inside Rehearsals for Sam Pinkleton-Directed THE WIZARD OF OZ at American Conservatory Theater

Get a first look inside rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz, performing at American Conservatory Theater !

Cast & Creative Team Set for THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS at Alley Theatre

The Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre has announced the cast and creative team of The Servant of Two Masters. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets!

Sanaz Toossi's ENGLISH Wins 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

The Pulitzer Prize Board has just announced that English, by Sanaz Toossi has won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Other finalists included: On Sugarland by Aleshea Harris and The Far Country by Lloyd Suh.

Video: Who Will Win the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Drama? Watch Live at 3pm!

The Pulitzer Prize Board will present the 2023 award winners for Prizes in Journalism, Books, Drama and Music. Who will win this year? Tune in right here at 3pm to watch the announcement live!

PASSING STRANGE, A CHRISTMAS STORY And More Announced For Theatrical Outfit 2023 â€" 2024 Season

Theatrical Outfit has announced its 2023 – 2024 Season of unmissable theatre created by incredible Atlanta artists, right in the heart of Downtown.

Photos: Go Inside Opening Night of GOD OF CARNAGE at Theater Breaking Through Barriers

Check out photos from opening night of God of Carnage at Theater Breaking Through Barriers!

Al Hirschfeld Exhibition Extended Through Late June at The Museum of Broadway

The Museum of Broadway's inaugural special exhibit, The American Theatre As Seen by Hirschfeld, has been extended by popular demand.

The Black Box to Present Exclusive Staged Reading Series of Edward Albee's Plays in May

The Black Box, in association with The Estate of Edward Albee, will present EDWARD ALBEE: FROM A TO ZOO, AN EXCLUSIVE STAGED READING SERIES OF EDWARD ALBEE'S PLAYS.  From the masterworks to the rarely and almost never seen - and including some hidden gems from the Albee canon - this curated monthly series will begin on Wednesday, May 24th at 7:30PM.

Rattlestick Theater Announces The Inaugural Terrence McNally New Works Incubator Fellows

Rattlestick Theater, in partnership with the Terrence McNally Foundation and Tom Kirdahy Productions, have announced the three (3) inaugural Terrence McNally New Works Incubator fellows: Molly Bicks, HyoJeong Choi and Haygen-Brice Walker.

MOTHER LODE to Return To Carnegie Stage in June

Mother Lode, a play by Virginia Wall Gruenert, will return to Carnegie Stage June 3 at 8:00pm and June 4 at 3:00pm. The production stars Linda Haston, and is directed by Ingrid Sonnichsen.

Vineyard Theatre Will Host a Music & Lyric Brunch Celebrating Its Musical Theatre History

Vineyard Theatre Artistic Directors Douglas Aibel and Sarah Stern have announced Music & Lyrics, a benefit brunch celebrating 40 years of The Vineyard's Musical Past, Present and Future at West Bank Cafe (407 W 42nd St) on Sunday, May 7th, from 12:15 - 2:30pm.

Edward Albee FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

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 .

Legend of Off Broadway Award (), The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) for , 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 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, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for Seascape, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for A Delicate Balance , Best Play (Evening Standard Awards) for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 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 Storyand Distinguished Play (Obie Awards) for The Zoo Story.

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