Thurman E. Scott is an American actor, director, and producer. He is the founder and artistic director of the Actors Theatre Workshop, a New York City theatre company. He was artistic director with the National Black Theater. Scott won an Obie Award as actor for his role in Open 24 Hours and an Obie for director of the play Soldiers of Freedom.
Early life and education
Scott was born in North Carolina about 1952. His father was white, and his mother was black. His paternal grandparents disapproved of the marriage. Scott was raised by his maternal grandparents in North Carolina until he was 12, when he went to live in Philadelphia with his mother and stepfather, where he would grow up.
In 1960, he joined the United States Air Force. There he was trained by boxing instructor, Rollie Hackman. Scott became the all-services welterweight champion. Scott was discharged in 1964. He earned a Fullbright scholarship and studied in England at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts. Later, he studied under actress, Stella Adler.
Career
Scott began his professional acting career in 1969. His stage credits include the New York Shakespeare Festival, Open 24 Hours, The David Show, The Blood Knot, To Be Young, Gifted and Black, The Tempest, Becket, and The Bridgehead. Scott won an Obie award as actor for his part in Open 24 Hours.
Scott also appeared in feature films and television, including on the soap opera One Life to Live.
Scott also became artistic director with the National Black Theater. He won an Obie award as director for Soldiers of Freedom.
In 1990, Scott founded the nonprofit theatre company Actors Theatre Workshop in New York City. This organization puts on theatrical productions and runs acting programs and educational initiatives for children and adults, like Builders of the New World. Scott continues to serve as the company's artistic director.
Selected filmography
Year Title Role Notes 1967 The Incident — Feature film 1968 The Paper Lion — Feature film 1968 One Life to Live Dr. Price Trainor Television series (2 episodes) 1971 Love Is a Many Splendored Thing Judd Washington Television series 1972 Across 110th Street Doc's Guard Feature film 1973 The Werewolf of Washington Hippie Credited as Thurmon Scott 1974 Three Tough Guys Tony Feature film 1975 The American Parade Frederick Douglass Television miniseries 1979 Voices Patterson Feature film<
Selected stage credits
Production Role Notes Open 24 Hours Number One Off-Broadway production The David Show Ham (understudy) Off-Broadway The Blood Knot Leading role National tour To Be Young, Gifted and Black Leading role National tour The Tempest Various roles Center Stage Becket Thomas Becket Special performance at the Moscow Art Theatre The Bridgehead Tatum Actors Theatre of Louisville, Humana Festival (1977)
References
Notes
External links
BroadwayWorld profile