Tony Kushner

American writer, the winner of a Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for his groundbreaking play "Angels in America." The openly gay, Jewish socialist is a reluctant but enthusiastic spokesperson for those causes he embraces and, as a result, he has gained a reputation as one of the most outspoken literary figures in America.

Born in Manhattan, Kushner was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana where his family moved after they inherited a lumber business. He attended Columbia University, earned his bachelor’s degree and went on to do his postgraduate work at New York University. In the early 1980s, he founded a theater group. In 1985, he wrote "A Bright Room Called Day," an expression of his moral and political views, which influence much, if not all, of his work. Following his blockbuster success with "Angels," he wrote "Slavs!" 1994.

Kushner was brought in as a special advisor to President Clinton on his 1997 State of the Union Address and has, on occasion, socialized with other powerful political figures. However, he adamantly states he has no aspirations to run for office, no desire to be in a position of leadership and feels that his contributions to the world will be made as a playwright.

Kushner’s partner is Michael Mayer who directed the national tour of "Angels."