Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Woodie King Jr. Dies at 88
Woodie King Jr. was a very important person in theater.
He was born in Alabama and later moved to New York to study theater.
He started a company called The New Federal Theatre (NFT) to help Black and other underrepresented artists have their voices heard.
He produced over 450 plays and helped many famous actors like Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman get started.
He was also honored with many awards for his work.
He recently passed away at the age of 88 after having heart surgery.
He is remembered for his big contributions to theater and his fight for better representation.
Woodie King Jr., a renowned theater actor, director, and producer, has died at the age of 88.
He passed away due to complications from emergency heart surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.
King founded The New Federal Theatre (NFT) in 1970 to amplify the voices of Black and other underrepresented artists.
He produced over 450 plays and helped launch the careers of many famous actors, including Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman.
King was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre in 2020.
- Who
- Woodie King Jr., a theater actor, director, and producer known for advocating for Black onstage representation.
- What
- His death at the age of 88 due to complications from emergency heart surgery.
- When
- June 6, 2024.
- Where
- Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.
- Why
- He was a prominent figure in American theater, dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black and other underrepresented artists.
- Full Name
- Woodie King Jr.
- Date of Birth
- July 27, 1937
- Place of Birth
- Bladon Springs, Alabama
- Date of Death
- June 6, 2024
- Place of Death
- New York City, New York
- Cause of Death
- Complications from emergency heart surgery
- Notable Works
- Founder of The New Federal Theatre (NFT)
- Survivors
- Wife Elizabeth Van Dyke, three children, five grandchildren