Samm-Art Williams Obituary and Death Samm-Art Williams Dies: Tony-Nominated ‘Home’ Playwright, Actor and Director, Dies at 78
Samm-Art Williams, the Tony-nominated playwright of the Broadway play “Home” and an executive producer for the television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” died peacefully at his home in Burgaw, North Carolina, on May 13, 2024, at the age of 78.
Williams was born in Philadelphia on January 20, 1946, and attended Morgan State University in Baltimore. He was a prolific playwright, screenwriter, actor, and producer who worked on various stage and screen projects throughout his career.
Williams’ most notable work is the Tony-nominated play “Home,” which was first directed by Douglas Turner Ward and produced on Broadway by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1980. The play is set to return to Broadway on June 5, with Kenny Leon directing.
In addition to his work on “Home,” Williams authored several other plays, including “Welcome to Black River” and “Friends,” and penned episodes for various television shows, including “Cagney & Lacey,” “The New Mike Hammer,” “Miami Vice,” and “The Debbie Allen Special.”
Williams received two Emmy nominations, one in 1988 for his role as a producer on “Frank’s Place” and another in 1985 for “Motown Returns to the Apollo.” He was also an executive producer on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” from 1990 to 1993.
Throughout his career, Williams was honored with prestigious accolades such as the Guggenheim Fellowship, The National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship for Play-writing, and various other writing honors. He was unmarried and had no offspring.
Williams’ death was confirmed by his cousin, Carol Brown, who stated, “Mr. Williams’ contributions to American theatre and television will live on, but he will be greatly missed.”
Williams’ legacy as a playwright, actor, and director will be remembered through his work, which continues to inspire and influence the theatre and television communities.
In conclusion, Samm-Art Williams’ passing marks the loss of a talented and influential figure in the theatre and television industries. His contributions to American theatre and television will be remembered and celebrated through his work, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and audiences alike.
