Legendary Black Theater Trailblazer Woodie King, Jr. Dies at 88

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 31, 2026, Noon — Woodie King, Jr., the visionary founder of New Federal Theatre and a towering figure in Black theater, has passed away at 88. He died January 29 at Weill Cornell Medical Center due to complications from emergency heart surgery.

A true pioneer, King dedicated over five decades to elevating minority and women voices on stage. His work earned him countless accolades, including a “Legend of Off Broadway” title in 2020 and the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre, a testament to his enduring legacy.

Born in Bladon Springs, Alabama, and raised in Detroit, King’s journey into theater was nothing short of transformative. After working as a welder and draftsman, he found his calling in New York City, earning degrees from Lehman College and Brooklyn College before launching a career that would change American theater forever.

In 1970, King founded New Federal Theatre with a mission to amplify the voices of artists of color and women. The organization has produced over 450 plays. Many of these productions transferred to Broadway and launched careers for countless minority talents. The organization’s workshops helped shape legends like Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, and Phylicia Rashad.

His influence extended beyond the stage, inspiring documentaries such as The King of Stage: the Woodie King, Jr. Story and earning awards such as the Obie Award for Sustained Achievement and induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame.

King’s commitment to social justice and artistic excellence was unwavering. Even as COVID-19 prompted shifts to digital platforms, he continued mentoring and leading alongside his wife Elizabeth Van Dyke, ensuring his legacy endures.

Woodie King, Jr. leaves behind three children and five grandchildren. His impact on American theater, especially for marginalized voices, will be felt for generations to come.

Rob Redding is the author of No. 1 best selling book Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung . He is the bestselling author of 18 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.