Samm-Art Williams

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Samm-Art Williams BIO

Samm-Art Williams is an American playwright, screenwriter, and actor. He was born on September 13, 1946, in Burgaw, North Carolina.
Williams began his career as an actor, performing in several off-Broadway productions in the 1970s. He then turned his attention to playwriting and wrote his first play, "Home," which premiered off-Broadway in 1979. The play was a critical success and won an Obie Award for Best New American Play.
In 1982, Williams wrote "The Pee Wee Herman Show," which was performed at The Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles. The show was a hit and led to the creation of the popular children's television show, "Pee-wee's Playhouse."
Williams continued to write plays throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Woman from the Town," "Friends," and "Welcome to Black River." His play "Home" was adapted into a television movie in 1987, starring Esther Rolle and Alfre Woodard.
In addition to his work in theater, Williams has also written for television and film. He wrote the screenplay for the 1994 film "Strictly Business," which starred Tommy Davidson and Halle Berry. He also wrote for the television series "Martin" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Williams returned to the stage in 2003, starring in the Broadway production of August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean." He also appeared in the Broadway productions of "The Poison Tree" and "The Mighty Gents."
Williams' most recent work includes the play "Trembling Earth," which premiered at the New Jersey Repertory Company in 2018. The play explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its impact on a family in New Orleans.
Throughout his career, Williams has been recognized for his contributions to theater. In addition to his Obie Award, he has also received a Tony Award nomination for Best Play for "Home" and a Drama Desk Award nomination for "The Dance on Widows' Row."
Williams has also been honored for his work in the African American community. He received the Living Legend Award from the National Black Theatre Festival in 2003 and was inducted into the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame in 2010.
In addition to his writing and acting, Williams has also taught at several universities, including Rutgers University and the University of Southern California. He currently resides in New Jersey.
Samm-Art Williams' career has spanned several decades and has made a significant impact on American theater. His plays explore themes of race, family, and identity, and his work has been recognized for its honesty and authenticity. Williams' most recent work, "Trembling Earth," continues his tradition of exploring important social issues through the lens of personal experience.

Samm-Art Williams STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
1975
Understudy (Understudy)

Writing

Playwright
Playwright

Samm-Art Williams Movies

[1977]The Baron Rufus

[1979]The Wanderers Roger

[1980]Dressed to Kill Subway Cop

[1984]Blood Simple Meurice

[1985]Hot Resort Bill Martin

[1991]A Rage in Harlem Gus Parsons

Samm-Art Williams Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Play

Samm-Art Williams, Home

Samm-Art Williams News


Roundabout's Home on Broadway Officially Renamed the Todd Haimes Theatre

The 104-year-old Selwyn Theatre, previously known as the American Airlines Theatre, is now officially named the Todd Haimes Theatre.

Roundabout Now Accepting Applications for Directing Fellowship & Directors Group

Roundabout Theatre Company is now accepting applications for two of the institution’s signature Artists-in-Residence programs. Learn details and see how to apply!

Daphne Rubin-Vega, Kara Young, Reynaldo Piniella & More to Star in HAMLET Reading at The Acting Company 

The Acting Company has revealed the cast for their reading of Hamlet. See the full cast and learn how to purchase tickets!

Roundabout Theatre Company Reveals 2024 Underground Reading Series

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the 2024 Roundabout Underground Reading Series, a five-night event that includes nightly readings of new works written by emerging artists, with post-show receptions.

Signature Theatre Presents Dominique Morisseau's SUNSET BABY, Directed by Steve H. Broadnax III, January 30- March 10

Signature Theatre presents Signature Premiere Resident, Tony Award nominee, and MacArthur Fellow Dominique Morisseau's Sunset Baby, directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.

Roundabout's 2024-2025 Season Will Include New Orleans-Style PIRATES OF PENZANCE with Ramin Karimloo and David Hyde Pierce, YELLOW FACE Starring Daniel Dae Kim, and More

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the 2024-2025 season on Broadway and Off-Broadway, including initial casting. Check out all of the details here!

Kristin Chenoweth to Perform One-Night-Only Special Benefit Concert Celebrating Todd Haimes

Roundabout Theatre Company will present Emmy & Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth in KRISTIN: AN EVENING WITH FRIENDS FOR TODD. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Cast & Creative Team Announced For World Premiere Of Dave Malloy's THREE HOUSES

Signature Theatre announces the cast and creative team for the world premiere production of Dave Malloy's Three Houses, directed and choreographed by Annie Tippe. The musical will feature J.D. Mollison, Mia Pak, Margo Seibert, Henry Stram, Scott Stangland, and Ching Valdes-Aran. Performances begin on April 30, 2024.

Creative Team & Dates Set for Kenny Leon-Directed HOME on Broadway

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the creative team and dates for the new Broadway production of Home by Samm-Art Williams, directed by Kenny Leon. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Cast Set for Dominique Morisseau's SUNSET BABY at Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre has revealed the cast of Dominique Morisseau's 'Sunset Baby,' directed by Steve H. Broadnax III.

David Harbour, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ann Dowd, and Denis O'Hare to Perform in Signature Theatre Reading of Sam Shepard's TRUE WEST

Signature Theatre today will present an all-star benefit reading of Sam Shepard’s contemporary classic True West, led by acclaimed actors Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear, Girls) as Austin, David Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow) as Lee, Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale, Compliance) as Mom, and Denis O’Hare (American Horror Story, True Blood) as Saul.

World Premiere of COVENANT Extended at Roundabout Underground

Roundabout Theatre Company will present a one-week extension of the world premiere of Covenant by York Walker, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene.

OUR TOWN Will Return to Broadway in 2024, Directed by Kenny Leon

Tony Award-winner Kenny Leon will direct a new Broadway production of Our  Town by Thornton Wilder in the fall of 2024. This will be the first major Broadway revival of the  classic play in nearly 25 years.

World Premiere of COVENANT to Open at Roundabout Underground Tomorrow

Roundabout Theatre Company will present the world premiere of Covenant by York Walker, directed by Tiffany Nichole Greene, which opens tomorrow, October 26.

World Premiere of I NEED THAT Starring Danny DeVito Extended for One Week

The world premiere of I Need That by Theresa Rebeck, starring Danny DeVito, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel has been extended for one week at Roundabout Theatre Company.

The Acting Company to Present Annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series

The Acting Company will present their annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series, featuring a trio of unique Shakespeare interpretations. Get all the details about this exciting event in New York City.

New Federal Theatre to Present TELLING TALES OUT OF SCHOOL Beginning Next Month

Four women writers of the Harlem Renaissance meet in 'Telling Tales Out of School' by Wesley Brown, directed by Woodie King, Jr. at Castillo Theatre/ASP. The play offers a unique perspective on the Harlem Renaissance by providing a character study of four of its most-noted female prime movers. Check out event information here!

Signature Theatre Opens Submissions for The Judith Champion Musical Theater LaunchPad Residency

Signature Theatre has opened submissions for the Judith Champion Musical Theater LaunchPad Residency. Lear more about the Residency!

Best Broadway Shows in 2024; What's Coming!

Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in 2024 and be sure to check back as more engagements are added to the list!

What's Coming to Broadway in 2023

It's a new season on Broadway! While plenty of 2023/24 season announcements have yet to be made, many productions have already revealed full details of their upcoming engagements. Check out a full list of what's to come on Broadway in Fall 2023-Spring 2024!

Samm-Art Williams FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Samm-Art Williams has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

Samm-Art Williams has not appeared in the West End.

Samm-Art Williams has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. He received a nomination for Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for his work on "Home." Additionally, Williams was nominated for the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and for Best Play at the Tony Awards, both for his play "Home."

Samm-Art Williams has won the John Gassner Playwriting Award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Samm-Art Williams has written 1 shows including Home (Playwright).

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