Wynn Handman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wynn Handman
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Handman working in his studio on West 54th Street in New York
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| Born |
Irwin Leo Handman
May 19, 1922 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | April 11, 2020 (aged 97) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Teacher, director, producer |
| Years active | 1944–2020 |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Ann Schlein (1950-2013; her death) |
| Children | 2 |
Wynn Handman (May 19, 1922 – April 11, 2020) was a very important person in American theater. He was the artistic director of The American Place Theatre. He helped start this theater in 1963 with Sidney Lanier and Michael Tolan.
His main job was to find and help new writers and actors. He also worked to create and show new plays by American writers. He started special programs like Literature to Life to teach about the arts. A movie called It Takes a Lunatic (2019) is about his life and the history of The American Place Theatre.
Wynn Handman passed away in 2020 because of problems from COVID-19.
Contents
Early Life and Acting Beginnings
Wynn Handman grew up in the Inwood area of Upper Manhattan in New York City. He studied acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theater.
In 1949, he played the role of Sentry Hallam in a new play called Uniform of Flesh. This play was later renamed Billy Budd and became very successful on Broadway in 1951.
Directing New Plays
Wynn Handman directed many plays at The American Place Theatre. He was known for bringing new stories to the stage. He often adapted books into plays.
Some of the plays he directed include Manchild in the Promised Land and Coming Through. He also directed A Girl's Guide to Chaos and Spokesman. He helped create a series of shows about American humorists.
Teaching and Mentoring Actors
Wynn Handman was a teacher for over 50 years. He taught acting classes where he helped many students become famous actors. Some of his well-known students include Michael Douglas and Christopher George.
In 2013, a book about him was published called Wynn Place Show. It told the story of his life and The American Place Theatre. Many of his former students, like Richard Gere, Frank Langella, and John Leguizamo, came to a party to celebrate the book and honor Handman.
Family Background
Wynn Handman was born in New York City. His mother, Anna, worked as a saleswoman. His father, Nathan, ran a printing business. His parents were Jewish immigrants. His father came from Minsk, Belarus, and his mother came from Płońsk, Poland.
Handman was married to Barbara Handman, who was a political consultant. She passed away in 2013. They had two daughters, Laura and Liza.
Awards and Achievements
Wynn Handman received many awards for his work in theater. These awards recognized his long and important contributions.
- 1989 Townsend Harris Medal from the City College of New York
- 1993 Lucille Lortel Award for Lifetime Achievement
- 1994 Rosetta LeNoire Award from Actors' Equity Association
- 1996 Carnegie Mellon Drama Commitment to Playwriting Award
- 1998 Sanford Meisner Service Award from The Working Theater
- 1999 Obie Award for Sustained Achievement
See also
In Spanish: Wynn Handman para niños
