Pioneering theatre and film producer, director and actor, Woodie King Jr. passed away on Jan. 29. He was 88 years old.
In addition to his decades-long career, King founded the New Federal Theatre (NFT), an institution dedicated to amplifying Black and other underrepresented artists. In 2012, he was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame and in 2020, he received the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre.
King is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Van Dyke, his children Geoffrey King, Michael King and Michelle King Huger, whom he shared with ex-wife Willie Mae Washington, and his grandchildren.
Larry Leon Hamlin, Woodie King Jr., and Herman LeVern Jones at National Black Theatre Festival as King is honored. (Herman LeVern Jones photo) Credit: Herman LeVern Jones photo 
Frankie Faison, Richard Wesley and Woodie King Jr. (Richard Wesley photo) 
Woodie King Jr. and Linda Armstrong at AUDELCO Awards. (Linda Armstrong photo) 
Jackie Jeffries and Woodie King Jr. at AUDELCO Awards. (Linda Armstrong photo) 
Juney Smith and Woodie King Jr. (Juney Smith photo) 
Woodie King Jr., Glynn Turman, Rome Neal. and Voza Rivers at New Federal Theatre celebration 2023. (Rome Neal photo) 
Woodie King Jr., Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rome Neal, Jackie Jeffries, Linda Armstrong, Kara Young, Brittani Samuel, and Keenan Scott II at Lincoln Center Performing Arts panel, “Linda Armstrong: Celebrating 40 years of New York Theater Criticism.” (Linda Armstrong photo) 
Woodie King Jr. and Bianca LaVerne Jone.s (Bianca LaVerne Jones photo)