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Edward Albee Headshot

Edward Albee

Also Credited As: Edward Franklin Albee

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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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
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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


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
AT HOME AT THE ZOO Comes to Hudson Theatre Works
by Stephi Wild - Oct 3, 2025

Edward Albee’s “At Home at the Zoo” combines Albee’s groundbreaking 1959 short play The Zoo Story with his acclaimed prequel Homelife written in 2004. Learn more here!
THE HEART SELLERS Coming to South Coast Repertory This Month
by Michael Major - Oct 2, 2025

South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel) brings to life one of America’s most produced plays with the heartwarming comedy The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh.
THE LITERAL DEMON I SUMMONED TO GET MY EX-BOYFRIEND BACK Sets Industry Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2025

Chris Rivera's new supernatural comedic play The Literal Demon I Summoned to Get My Ex-Boyfriend Back will receive a staged industry reading at Intar Theatre. Learn more!
Cast Set for CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Crossroads Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025

Crossroads Theatre Company has revealed the cast for its season opener, Lynn Nottage's 'Crumbs from the Table of Joy.' See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Casting Announced at Gulfshore Playhouse
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2025

Gulfshore Playhouse will open its 2025–2026 season with Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, running October 23–November 23, 2025 in the Struthers Studio. Directed by Kristen Coury, the production stars Jeffrey Binder, Beth Hylton, Becca Ballenger, and Sam Bell-Gurwitz. Tickets are on sale now.
Bergen County Players to Hold Auditions For Edward Albee's SEASCAPE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2025

Bergen County Players will hold auditions for Edward Albee's SEASCAPE, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Award nominations. Learn more!
From the West End to DOWNTON ABBEY: A Look at Penelope Wilton's Stage Career
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 12, 2025

Since the early 1970s, Penelope Wilton has established herself as a major player on the British stage, and we are taking a look back at her expansive theatrical career, just in time for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Unforgettable Theatre for You at South Coast Rep
by Team BWW - Sep 4, 2025

Experience the electrifying Million Dollar Quartet and relive the night Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins made music history. Find laughter and connection in The Heart Sellers—praised by The New York Times as “about intelligent, curious, creative women who find themselves bereft in a new country — where they recognize something in each other, and cheer each other on.”
Vineyard Theatre Artistic Director Douglas Aibel to Step Down
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 3, 2025

Douglas Aibel will step down as Artistic Director of Vineyard Theatre, a position he has held since 1985, and in partnership with Sarah Stern since 2011. Learn more!
Kyle Ayers' HARD TO SAY to Have Off-Broadway Premiere at SoHo Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2025

SoHo Playhouse will present the Off-Broadway premiere of Hard To Say, A Comedy Show About Life with Chronic Pain, written by Kyle Ayers. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!

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. He won the Legend of Off Broadway Award and the Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead from the Helen Hayes Awards. He received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Among his Drama Desk Awards, he earned Outstanding Play for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? as well as Best Author for The Zoo Story. The New York Drama Critics Circle honored him with Best Play for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Three Tall Women, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The Lortel Awards recognized him with Outstanding Lifetime Achievement, while the Obie Awards granted him Sustained Achievement and Distinguished Play for The Zoo Story. The Tony Awards awarded Best Play to Edward Albee's The Goat or Who Is Sylvia? and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. The Evening Standard Awards honored Best Play for Three Tall Women and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. He was named Best Playwright of the Season by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Edward Albee also won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama three times, for Three Tall Women, Seascape, and A Delicate Balance.

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