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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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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


Target Margin Theater Will Present Jean Genet-Inspired THIS IS REAL in March
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 28, 2026

Target Margin Theater will present the world premiere of 'THIS IS REAL,' inspired by Jean Genet, from March 1 to April 5, 2026. The production explores themes of identity and reality through innovative staging and performance.
McCarter Theatre to Honor Former Artistic Director and Resident Playwright Emily Mann at Annual Gala
by Gillian Blum - Jan 25, 2026

McCarter Theatre Center announced that former Artistic Director and Resident Playwright Emily Mann will receive the inaugural Roger S. Berlind Award at its annual gala on June 12, 2026.
Gulfshore Playhouse Stages Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

Gulfshore Playhouse will present Oscar Wilde's classic comedy, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, showcasing a tale of mistaken identities and social satire.
Full Cast Set For THE HOLY ROSENBERGS at The Menier Chocolate Factory
by Stephi Wild - Jan 20, 2026

The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the full cast for its upcoming revival of Ryan Craig's THE HOLY ROSENBERGS, directed by Lindsay Posner.
PRIVATE LIVES, HAMLET and More Set for The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 16, 2026

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey has unveiled its 2026 season, Method & Madness, which features three brilliant comedies, an explosive American classic, the world's most famous sleuth, and a Shakespeare masterpiece.
Photos: AT HOME AT THE ZOO at the Jersey Shore Arts Center
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2026

All new photos have been released from Ruth Stage's production of Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo  at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. Check out the photos below!
2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Judges and Key Dates Revealed
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2026

The 2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced the Judging Panel for the 48th Annual Award. The Winner of the 2026 Prize will be announced on February 26 in a special invitation-only celebration at London's Royal Court Theatre.
Photos/Video: Bergen County Players Presents SEASCAPE By Edward Albee
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 9, 2026

Bergen County Players will Raise the Curtain on Seascape, which earned playwright Edward Albee his second Pulitzer Prize in 1975. Check out new photos and behind the scenes video from the production!
Exclusive: Krystina Alabado & More Stage Alums Star in Trailer for New Dark Comedy SMILE… THE WORST IS YET TO COME
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 9, 2026

Check out an exclusive first-look at the trailer for Smile...The Worst is Yet to Come, a new indie dark comedy film featuring a cast of stage stars, including Mean Girls alum Krystina Alabado.
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.
SoHo Playhouse's 2026 International Fringe Encore Series Begins January 3
by Gillian Blum - Jan 3, 2026

SoHo Playhouse's 2026 International Fringe Encore Series begins on January 3 and runs through March 29, and provides opportunities to emerging artists who show exceptional talent at each season's Fringe Festivals both artistically and commercially.
Bergen County Players Will Host Post-Show Talkback With Jakob Holder, Executive Director of the Edward F. Albee Foundation
by Stephi Wild - Dec 31, 2025

Bergen County Players, one of America's longest-running little theater companies, will host a special post-show talkback with Jakob Holder, Executive Director of the Edward F. Albee Foundation.
Bergen County Players Opens New Year With SEASCAPE By Edward Albee
by Stephi Wild - Dec 23, 2025

Bergen County Players will raise the curtain on Seascape, which earned playwright Edward Albee his second Pulitzer Prize in 1975. Learn more about the upcoming production here!
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards; Ogunquit Playhouse Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025

We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Maine Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Twelve Days of Christmas: Tracy Letts
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 19, 2025

It's been almost four years since Broadway has seen a new Tracy Letts play. This season, audiences will be treated to his latest, Bug, which opens at the Samuel J. Theatre in the new year (January 8, 2026). During a break from rehearsals, he took a minute to reflect on which Christmas traditions put his family in the holiday spirit every year.
BWW Q&A: Brendan Healy Talks A DOLL'S HOUSE at Canadian Stage
by Joshua Wright - Dec 16, 2025

BroadwayWorld spoke with Brendan Healy about Canadian Stage's production of A Doll's House. Nora appears to be the perfect wife, but beneath the surface she harbours a secret that threatens to unravel her seemingly happy world. As the truth emerges, Nora gradually awakens to her own desires, and the play builds toward a radical act of self-liberation.  

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.

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