The word genius gets thrown around a lot, but for Sam Shepard, it was a more than accurate description. Sadly, we’ll be greatly missing his creative voice, as he’s passed away at the age of 73.
It’s not easy to summarize the life and career of the playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director. However, the honors he received over the years do plenty of talking. Shepard was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his play “Buried Child,” and put the the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater Award on his shelf in 2009. He also made an impression on film, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “The Right Stuff” in 1983 and an Emmy nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for “Dash and Lilly” in 1999.
Shepard kept active across an array of mediums, publishing books, writing plays, and acting on stage and in front of the camera. He also directed two feature films, 1988’s “Far North” and 1993’s “Silent Tongue.” Recent film and television work included Netflix‘s “Bloodline” and roles in Jeff Nichols‘ “Midnight Special” and James Franco‘s “In Dubious Battle.”
Shepard’s pen and talent were as masterful and they were influential, but it’s certain his work will not be forgotten. [Broadway World]