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Lillian Hellman

Birth Place: New Orleans, LA, USA

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BIO

Lillian was born in New Orleans, grew up in New Orleans and New York City and attended New York University and Columbia. Her career as a playwright began in 1934 with The Children's Hour, the first of several plays that would bring her international attention and praise, among them The Little Foxes, Watch on the Rhine, Another Part of the Forest, The Autumn Garden and Toys in the Attic. Hellman was twice the recipient of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for the best play of the year (for Watch on the Rhine and Toys in the Attic). She was also awarded the Gold Medal for Drama from the National Institute of Arts and Letters. In 1972 a definitive edition of all her work for the theatre was published as The Collected Plays. Hellman received the National Book Award for An Unfinished Woman in 1969. She subsequently wrote two additional volumes of autobiography, Pentimento and Scoundrel Time. In the decade before her death in 1984, Hellman divided her time between New York and Martha's Vineyard.

Productions

 
[West End, 2022]
Writer
 
[Broadway, 1952]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Director

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Source Material

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Revival

Lillian Hellman, The Little Foxes


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1960 - Best American Play

Lillian Hellman, Toys in the Attic

Tony Awards - 1960 - Best Play

Lillian Hellman, Toys in the Attic


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1941 - Best American Play

Lillian Hellman, Watch on the Rhine

Videos

News


The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Review: THE LITTLE FOXES at Intiman Theatre
by Amelia Divine - Oct 20, 2025

It’s spooky season, and what’s spookier than a wealthy, greedy family willing to do anything to fulfill their selfish desires? Moral decay lies at the heart of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, now performing at Intiman Theatre in a production by The Feast. When it premiered in 1939, it shocked audiences with its depiction of avarice, corruption, and gendered power in the American South. Nearly a century later, those same themes still resonate. 
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.
June Squibb, Cynthia Nixon, Danny Burstein & Christopher Lowell Will Lead MARJORIE PRIME on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 21, 2025

Second Stage Theater has  just announced the complete cast for the upcoming Broadway production of Jordan Harrison’s MARJORIE PRIME, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. We have all of the details here!
Intiman Theatre And The Feast Announce Cast For THE LITTLE FOXES
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 20, 2025

Intiman Theatre and The Feast have announced casting for The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman, running October 15–November 2, 2025, at the Erickson Theatre.
Marylouise Burke, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and More Will Lead THE BALUSTERS
by Stephi Wild - Jul 29, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced initial casting for the world premiere of The Balusters, by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.  
Dan Lauria and Patty McCormack to Star in JUST ANOTHER DAY at Odyssey Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2025

Odyssey Theatre Ensemble will present the Los Angeles premiere of Just Another Day, a joyous and moving love story about the complex nature of aging. Learn how to purchase tickets!
 Intiman Theatre Reveals 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2025

 Intiman Theatre’s 2025-26 season will feature nine “Distinctly Seattle” productions, including the new musical SHe Said by local vocalist Jen Ayers, and the beloved holiday tradition Black Nativity. 
Intiman Theatre And The Feast To Co-Produce LILLIAN HELLMAN'S THE LITTLE FOXES
by A.A. Cristi - May 21, 2025

Intiman Theatre and The Feast will co-produce Lilian Hellman's The Little Foxes October 15 - November 2, 2025 at the Erickson Theatre. Audiences will be seated in-the-round for an up-close experience of this Southern Gothic drama. Select seating will be 21+ tables, offering cocktail service complete with southern-themed drink offerings.
Island City Stage Reveals 2025-26 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Apr 18, 2025

Island City Stage has announced its 2025-26 season - a lineup of five productions delivering unexpected twists, inventive storytelling, and unforgettable theatrical moments.
Tales from the Blacklist: The Shadow of McCarthyism On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 16, 2025

As Broadway prepares to reckon with the effect of McCarthyism on journalism in the new drama, Good Night and Good Luck, go deeper into the history of the Red Scare and its long-lasting implications for artists on Broadway and beyond.
Review: Leonard Bernstein’s Crazy Philosophical Satire CANDIDE Is Presented With Colour And Clear Storytelling
by Jade Kops - Feb 22, 2025

Opera Australia brings Victorian Opera’s production of CANDIDE to the Sydney Opera House. 
World Premiere of LABOR Comes to the NYC Fringe
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2025

Saint Sarah Productions will present LABOR, written and performed by Stacey Linnartz and directed by Francesca Mantani Arkus. The production will be presented as part of the 2025 New York City Fringe Festival.
Kim Hardwick Will Direct THE CHILDREN'S HOUR at The Old Fitz Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2025

First time collaborators Tiny Dog Productions and Dead Fly Productions will team up to present The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman. Learn more about the performance here!
Review Roundup: THE LITTLE FOXES at the Young Vic
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

Lyndsey Turner's new production of The Little Foxes is now playing at the Young Vic. Read the reviews for the production and see what the critics are saying!
Photos: THE LITTLE FOXES in Rehearsal at the Young Vic
by Stephi Wild - Nov 14, 2024

The Young Vic Theatre has released rehearsal images for the new revival of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, directed by Olivier Award-winning Lyndsey Turner. Check out the photos here!
Full Cast Set to Join Anne-Marie Duff in THE LITTLE FOXES at The Young Vic
by Stephi Wild - Oct 22, 2024

The Young Vic Theatre has announced the full cast joining multi-award-winning actress Anne-Marie Duff in a new revival of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes, directed by Olivier Award-winning Lyndsey Turner.
Photos: VLADIMIR Opening Night at Manhattan Theatre Club
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 16, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting world premiere of Vladimir, written by Erika Sheffer  and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan. Check out photos from opening night! 
Video: Watch Norbert Leo Butz & More in VLADIMIR Preview
by Michael Major - Oct 16, 2024

Watch a first look at Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere of Vladimir, written by Erika Sheffer and directed by Daniel Sullivan. The cast of Vladimir features two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can, A Complete Unknown), Erin Darke (“Good Girl Revolt'), and more. Watch the video!
Photos: Norbert Leo Butz & More in VLADIMIR at Manhattan Theatre Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 24, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting the world premiere of Vladimir, written by Erika Sheffer and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan. Get first look at photos of the production!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Lillian Hellman written?

Lillian Hellman has written 13 shows including The Children's Hour (Playwright), Days to Come (Playwright), The Little Foxes (Playwright), Watch on the Rhine (Playwright), The Searching Wind (Playwright), Another Part of the Forest (Playwright), Montserrat (Playwright), Regina (Source Material), The Autumn Garden (Playwright), Candide (Bookwriter), Toys in the Attic (Playwright), My Mother, My Father and Me (Playwright), Toys in the Attic (Playwright).

What awards has Lillian Hellman been nominated for?

Lillian Hellman has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Revival at The Lortels for "The Little Foxes." She also received nominations for Best American Play at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for both "Toys in the Attic" and "Watch on the Rhine." Additionally, she was nominated for Best Play at the Tony Awards for "Toys in the Attic."

What awards has Lillian Hellman won?

Lillian Hellman has won several awards for her work in the theater. She received the Best American Play award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for her plays "Toys in the Attic" and "Watch on the Rhine". These accolades recognize Hellman's exceptional talent and contribution to American theater.

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Videos