Sam Shepard

Sam Shepard was an American playwright, actor, author, screenwriter, and director. He was born on November 5, 1943, in Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and passed away on July 27, 2017. Shepard was known for his prolific work in the theater, particularly his plays that often explored themes of family, identity, and the American experience.

Some of his notable plays include "Buried Child," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979, "True West," "Fool for Love," and "Curse of the Starving Class." Shepard's writing often delved into the complexities of familial relationships, often set against the backdrop of the American West.

In addition to his work in theater, Shepard also had a successful career in film. He appeared in numerous movies, including "Days of Heaven," "The Right Stuff," "Black Hawk Down," and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford," among others. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as pilot Chuck Yeager in "The Right Stuff."

Shepard's contributions to American theater and film have left a lasting impact, and his works continue to be studied and performed by artists around the world