This post was originally published on Playbill - News
Written by: Molly Higgins
Obituaries
Playwright and Screenwriter Nathan Louis Jackson Dies at 44.
Mr. Jackson’s works included Broke-ology, Sticky Traps, and The Last Black Play. Playwright and screenwriter Nathan Louis Jackson passed away August 22 at the age of 44, in a statement provided to Playbill from his family.
Mr. Jackson’s works included Broke-ology, When I Come to Die, Sticky Traps, The Mancherios, The Last Black Play, and Brother Toad. His plays were presented nationwide, including at Lincoln Center Theater, Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Mr. Jackson also wrote for television, including NBC’s Southland, Showtime’s Shameless, Netflix’s Luke Cage and 13 Reasons Why.
Mr. Jackson was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He was very passionate about his hometown, which was often showcased in his work. He attended Washington High School, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas State University and The Juilliard School, where he received his MFA in Playwriting. Mr. Jackson remained a devoted supporter of the Kansas City arts community.
“Jackson’s work often showcased his love for his hometown. Having lived and worked on both coasts, Nathan’s heart belonged in Kansas City. Nathan was especially passionate about bar-b-que and his Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson was a devoted supporter of the arts community within Kansas City,” said his family in a statement. “Jackson will be remembered by his loved ones for his warmth and kindness, and his phone calls. He did not believe in text messaging, preferring to speak voice to voice whenever possible.”
Mr. Jackson received many accolades for his work, including the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award twice, the Mark Twain Comedy Playwriting Award, and the Kennedy Center’s Gold Medallion. He also served for six years as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Playwright in Residence at Kansas City Repertory Theatre.
Mr. Jackson is survived by his wife Megan Mascorro-Jackson, two children Amaya and Savion Jackson, his mother Bessie Jackson, and siblings Ebony Maddox and Wardell Jackson. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date.
