Date of Birth: April 13, 1937
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: March 24, 2011
Biography
Lanford Wilson was a celebrated American playwright known for his deeply humanistic and nuanced portrayals of ordinary life. Born in Lebanon, Missouri, Wilson grew up in a small-town environment that would later profoundly influence his work. He began his career in the 1960s, gaining recognition with his early plays performed in off-off-Broadway venues. His breakthrough came with “The Rimers of Eldritch” in 1966, which showcased his keen ear for dialogue and complex character development. Wilson’s most notable works include “Talley’s Folly,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1980, and “Burn This,” a play that achieved critical acclaim for its intense emotional narrative. His works often explored themes of human connection, love, and redemption, set against the backdrop of contemporary American life. In addition to his writing, Wilson co-founded the Circle Repertory Company in New York City, which became a nurturing ground for new American drama. Through his prolific career, Wilson left an indelible mark on American theater, influencing generations of playwrights.
5 Interesting Facts about Lanford Wilson
1. Lanford Wilson was a co-founder of the Circle Repertory Company, which was instrumental in promoting new American plays.
2. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1980 for his play “Talley’s Folly.”
3. Wilson’s play “Burn This” starred John Malkovich and Joan Allen in its original 1987 production.
4. He was openly gay and his works often subtly explored LGBTQ themes and issues.
5. Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2001.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lanford Wilson
1. “I try to write characters that are as real, and as complicated, as the people I know.”
2. “The theater is a spiritual and social X-ray of its time.”
3. “The only thing that really matters is what happens to the audience.”
4. “Plays are not written but rewritten.”
5. “The artist’s job is to show the world not just as it is, but as it could be.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Lanford Wilson is estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Lanford Wilson did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Lanford Wilson – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanford_Wilson
4. [Circle Repertory Company – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circle_Rep
