Woodie King Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Woodie King, Jr.
King at the 74th Tony Awards in 2021
Born	(1937-07-27)July 27, 1937 Baldwin Springs, Alabama, U.S.
Died	January 29, 2026(2026-01-29) (aged 88) New York City, U.S.
Education	Lehman College Brooklyn College
Occupation	Director, producer
Spouse(s)	Willie Mae Washington (Married 1959)

Woodie King Jr. (July 27, 1937 – January 29, 2026) was an important American artist. He was an actor, producer, and director for films and plays. Woodie King Jr. worked hard to bring more Black voices to the stage and screen. He produced and directed over 400 shows across the United States. Many people called him "the Renaissance Man of Black Theatre." This means he was skilled in many areas of Black theater.

King is famous for starting the New Federal Theatre in New York City. His goal was to give a platform to Black artists, women, and other groups. Many well-known Black actors started their careers at the New Federal Theatre. These include Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, and Debbie Allen.

He retired from leading the New Federal Theatre in 2021. However, he continued to serve on its board. Woodie King Jr. is celebrated for helping Black artists gain recognition. He received many awards for his work. These include the NAACP Image Award and an Obie Award. He was also honored with the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Woodie King Jr.'s Early Life and Career

Woodie King Jr. was born in Baldwin Springs, Alabama, on July 27, 1937. When he was five, his family moved to Detroit.

He finished high school in 1956. Then, he worked at the Ford Motor Company. From 1958 to 1962, he studied theater at The Will-O-Way School. He received a scholarship to attend. During this time, he also wrote about plays for the Detroit Tribune newspaper. In 1960, he helped start the Concept-East Theatre in Detroit. He managed and directed plays there until 1963.

Moving to New York and Founding Theatres

In 1964, Woodie King Jr. moved to New York. He received a special fellowship to study theater direction. He also worked as a Cultural Arts Director for five years. In 1970, he created the New Federal Theatre in New York City. This theater was a special place. It showed plays by and about people of color. It helped share stories from communities that were not often heard.

In 1974, he started The National Black Touring Circuit. This group helped Black theater shows travel across the country. It made sure that Black stories and artists reached many more people.

Higher Education and Achievements

Woodie King Jr. continued his education later in life. In 1996, he earned a bachelor's degree from Lehman College. He focused on Theatre and Black Studies. In 1999, he received a master's degree in Theater from Brooklyn College. He specialized in directing.

He also received several honorary doctorates. These special degrees recognized his important contributions.

Woodie King Jr.'s Passing

Woodie King Jr. passed away in New York City on January 29, 2026. He was 88 years old. His death was due to complications from heart surgery.

Woodie King Jr.'s Creative Works

Woodie King Jr. had a very busy career. He worked on many projects in film, television, and theater. He was an actor, a director, and a producer.

Film and Television Work

He appeared as an actor in several films. These included "Serpico" (1973) and "Men in Black 3" (2012). He also acted in TV shows like "Law & Order" and "Treme". He directed TV movies such as "Death of a Prophet" (1981).

Theatre Productions

Woodie King Jr. was especially active in theater. He directed and produced many important plays. Some of these include "The Great White Hope" (1968) and "For Colored Girls Who .../ When the Rainbow Is Enuf" (1976). He also worked on "A Raisin in the Sun" (1994) and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" (1996). His work helped bring these powerful stories to audiences.

Awards and Recognitions

Woodie King Jr. received many awards for his amazing work. These honors show how much he impacted the arts.

• In 1988, he won an NAACP Image Award for directing the play Checkmates.
• He received AUDELCO awards in 1993 for Best Director and Best Play.
• In 1997, he earned an Obie Award for his lasting achievements in theater.
• The Actors' Equity Association honored him with the Paul Robeson Award in 2003.
• He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2011.
• In 2020, he received the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre. This is a very high honor in the world of plays.