Mark Medoff facts for kids

Mark Medoff (born March 18, 1940 – died April 23, 2019) was an American playwright, screenwriter, film and theatre director, actor, and professor. He was best known for his play Children of a Lesser God. This play won both the Tony Award and the Olivier Award.

Medoff was also nominated for an Academy Award for the film script of Children of a Lesser God. He received an Obie Award for his play When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?. His film Refuge came out in 2010.

About Mark Medoff

Early Life and First Plays

Mark Medoff was born on March 18, 1940, in Mount Carmel, Illinois. He grew up in Miami Beach, Florida. In 1967, he wrote his first play, called The Wager.

His first play to be shown in New York City was When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?. This play won him the 1974 Drama Desk Award and Obie Awards. These awards were for being an outstanding new playwright.

Education and Learning

Medoff earned his first degree from the University of Miami. He then got his Master's from Stanford University. In 1981, he also received an honorary degree from Gallaudet University. This university is famous for its programs for deaf and hard of hearing students.

Famous Works and Awards

Medoff's most famous work was the play Children of a Lesser God in 1979. This play won him many top awards. These included the Tony Award, Drama Desk, and Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Play.

He also wrote screenplays for movies. These included film versions of his plays Red Ryder and Children of a Lesser God. For Children of a Lesser God, he was nominated for an Oscar. He also wrote Clara's Heart, where he helped discover actor Neil Patrick Harris. Another film he wrote was City of Joy.

In the early 2000s, Medoff also directed films. He directed a documentary called Who Fly on Angels’ Wings. He also directed a feature film, Children on Their Birthdays.

Teaching and Mentoring

Mark Medoff was a professor at New Mexico State University for 27 years. He helped start the American Southwest Theatre Company there. He also led the Department of Theatre Arts for nine years. He taught students about screenwriting, acting for film, and directing.

He was also the Creative Director of the Creative Media Institute at NMSU. This is the film department at the university. Medoff also taught at Florida State University and the University of Houston. He received the Kennedy Center Medallion. This award honors professionals in theater who also teach and guide students.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mark Medoff was married to Stephanie Thorne from 1972 until his death. They had three daughters together.

He passed away on April 23, 2019, at the age of 79. He died from health complications. Mark Medoff left behind a great legacy in theater and film.