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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 (Staging)
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Director (Staging)
 
[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


Ghost Light Collective to Host SCRATCH NIGHT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026

Ghost Light Collective will present SCRATCH NIGHT, written and performed by members of the collective. The production will be presented at Pine Box Rock Shop.
LA Opera Unveils 2026/27 Season Lineup Featuring New Music Director Domingo Hindoyan
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026

Christopher Koelsch, the Sebastian Paul and Marybelle Musco President and CEO of LA Opera, has announced details for the company's 2026/27 season, which will launch on October 17, 2026.
Albuquerque Little Theatre to Stage THE CHILDREN'S HOUR This Month
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2026

Albuquerque Little Theatre will present THE CHILDREN’S HOUR, Lillian Hellman’s landmark drama, from January 30 through February 8, 2026, at its historic venue in Albuquerque.
THE LITTLE FOXES Comes to Island City Stage This Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2026

Ambition, avarice and intrigue punctuate Island City Stage's production of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes, a searing Broadway and silver screen classic now showing through February 1. Tickets are on sale now.
GOD OF CARNAGE and WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF Come to South Coast Repertory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 9, 2026

South Coast Repertory will open 2026 with a rotating repertory of Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton.
Island City Stage Will Present THE LITTLE FOXES By Lillian Hellman
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 29, 2025

Island City Stage will present THE LITTLE FOXES by Lillian Hellman as part of its Fort Lauderdale season. The production is directed by Michael Leeds and features a cast of regional and national performers.
Cole Escola, Cynthia Nixon, and Others Join NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's Inaugural Committee
by Gillian Blum - Dec 27, 2025

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced the members of his inaugural committee, including familiar theater faces like Cole Escola, Cynthia Nixon, John Turturro, and Julio Torres.
Madalena Alberto ofrece un concierto íntimo en Barcelona
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Dec 17, 2025

La estrella del West End Madalena Alberto ofrecerá un concierto íntimo en la sala Encuentro le la localidad barcelonesa de Abrera el próximo 28 de febrero.
Twelve Days of Christmas: Cynthia Nixon
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 14, 2025

Cynthia Nixon has a lot to celebrate this holiday season! The acclaimed actress is back on Broadway Marjorie Prime, now running at the Hayes Theatre.  On opening night, she hit the red carpet to share some of her favorite holiday tunes. 
Meet the Cast of MARJORIE PRIME, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025

Second Stage Theater's production of Jordan Harrison’s Marjorie Prime begins previews tonight, November 20, on Broadway, directed by Tony Award Nominee and Obie Award-winner Anne Kauffman. Meet the cast of Marjorie Prime here!
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.

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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