On Thursday, the Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that Tony-winning directors Jack O'Brien and George C. Wolfe will each receive the 2024 Special Tony Award for Life Achievement in the Theatre.
O'Brien has previously won three Tony Awards for his direction of 'Hairspray,' 'Henry IV,' and 'The Coast of Utopia.' While Wolfe's expansive career has earned him 23 Tony nominations.
Jason Laks, interim president of The Broadway League, said that honoring these two gentlemen for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Theatre is a recognition of their innate talent and dedication and a lifetime of brilliant work.
Laks claimed that O'Brien has showcased astounding diversity, skill, and passion throughout his esteemed career with credits such as 'Hairspray' and 'The Invention of Love.'
He continued that as Artistic Director of the Old Globe Theatre for 25 years, he left a lasting legacy of strengthening the relationship between the commercial and nonprofit worlds.
Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, acknowledged the honorees as they have shown a true commitment to the craft, leading to remarkable success across their deeply applauded breadth of work.
Hitchens praised Wolfe's stellar contributions as a playwright, director, producer, and artistic director, including his unforgettable direction in productions like 'Angels in America: Millennium Approaches' and 'Bring in 'da Noise,' 'Bring in 'da Funk.'
Furthermore, he said that he has shown an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout his illustrious career, has shifted culture, and elevated the theatre community.
The 2024 Tony Award nominations were revealed on April 30. With 13 nominations each, Hell's Kitchen and Stereophonic emerged as the season's most nominated productions.
Winners will be announced at The 77th Annual Tony Awards, scheduled for June 16 at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater.
