Maya angelou was an american author, actress, screenwriter, dancer, poet and civil rights activist best known for her 1969 memoir, i know why the caged bird. In addition to publishing her autobiographical series, angelou produced the film georgia, georgia in 1972. Two years later, angelou starred in how to make an american quilt. In 1981 angelou became a professor of american studies at wake forest university. The film is built around angelous poems, read by janet jacksons young poet, justice. Kevin conway, known for his roles in films like gettysburg and. Throughout her acting career, she narrated various scripts.
Two of her most notable roles came in 1977, when she appeared in the acclaimed miniseries roots, in which she memorably played kunta kintes grandmother. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning. She acted onstage, in films, and on television in such works as poetic justice 1993, how to make an american quilt 1995, and roots 1977. One of the most captivating features i found out regarding her. Maya angelou was an american poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Join sign up keep track of your favorite shows and movies, across all your devices. Not available at once a novelist, actress, poet, singer, and humanitarian and one of the most renowned figures in each of the said roles, maya angelou spent the majority of her life. Angelou contributed to the screenplay and was portrayed in the film by constance good. She had a small role in john singletons 1993 romantic drama poetic justice, starring.
Angelous successful acting career included roles in numerous plays, films, and television programs, including her appearance in the television miniseries roots in 1977. Two of her most notable roles came in 1977, when she appeared in the acclaimed miniseries roots, in which she memorably played kunta kintes grandmother, and in the variety show the richard. Join sign up keep track of your favorite shows and movies. A museum dedicated to the life of multihyphenate maya angelou would easily take up a city block, stand over ten stories tall and still feature rotating exhibits. Materials include original scripts for film and theater.
In an exclusive clip from american masters maya angelou. The collection consists of materials relating to maya angelous work in the. Maya angelou is remembered as a poet, an author, an actress, a dancer, an educator, even a film director. Published 50 years ago, i know why the caged bird sings. And still i rise, maya angelou s son guy johnson claims pearl bailey refused to. Based on writer maya angelou s childhood, this story is about a young girl in the south who is sent to live with her grandmother after her parents divorce. I know why the caged bird sings 1979 1h 36min biography, drama tv movie 28 april 1979. Remembering author maya angelous film and tv career.
Maya angelou was one of americas most beloved and celebrated poets and authors, with dozens of awards and over 50 honorary degrees. Remembering author maya angelous film and tv career indiewire. Angelou played the role as the grandmother of kunta kinte. Pearl bailey didnt want maya angelou as hello dolly. She is perhaps best known for her autobiographical work i know why the caged bird sings.
Maya angelou full list of movies and tv shows in theaters, in production and upcoming films. In 1977, angelou played a supporting role in the golden globeswinning tv miniseries roots. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. Maya angelou book, maya angelou 1 more credit paul benjamin, diahann carroll, ruby dee. The runaway hallmark hall of fame productions 2000 angelou. Maya angelous performance career largely began on the stage as a dancer in porgy and bess. A look at the acclaimed poets movie career 1 10 maya angelou poet, educator, historian, author, playwright, activist, director and more had an exceptional. Maya angelous cultural impact not forgotten dr maya angelou, famed poet, author and activist, passed away at the age of 86.
In addition to writing, maya angelou was a dancer who studied with martha graham and pearl primus. But only in the lobby could one find a presentation of maya angelou. I know why the caged bird sings tv movie 1979 imdb. Maya angelou was a warrior who struggled all of her life with her womanhood. Maya angelou not just poet, but civil rights activist. Published 50 years ago, i know why the caged bird sings launched a revolution maya angelou s breakthrough memoir forever changed american literature and. Maya angelou, american poet, memoirist, and actress whose several volumes of autobiography explore the themes of economic, racial, and sexual oppression.