Austin Pendleton

Austin Pendleton (born March 27, 1940, in Warren, Ohio) is an esteemed American actor, playwright, director, instructor, and librettist with a career spanning more than six decades. After graduating from Yale University in 1961, he trained under acting legends and quickly became a fixture in theatre, known for his versatility and depth across stage, television, and film.

Pendleton’s artistry encompasses multiple disciplines, and as a writer he has made significant contributions to original theater works. One notable project is A Minister’s Wife, a musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play Candida. Commissioned by Chicago’s Writers’ Theatre, Pendleton served as librettist—crafting the book for this chamber operetta, which features music by Joshua Schmidt and lyrics by Jan Tranen. The production premiered in Chicago and later made a successful New York debut at Lincoln Center’s Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre.

In addition to his work in music theatre, Pendleton is a celebrated actor and director. He earned a Tony nomination for directing The Little Foxes on Broadway in 1981 and won Obie and Drama Desk Awards for his performances in The Last Sweet Days of Isaac in 1970. In recognition of his multifaceted contributions, he received a Special Drama Desk Award in 2007 that honored him as a “Renaissance Man of the American Theatre.”

Pendleton has also written original plays, such as Uncle Bob, Booth, and Orson’s Shadow, which were welcomed in major theatrical circles across the U.S. and internationally. Notably, Orson’s Shadow began in Chicago’s Steppenwolf ensemble and transitioned to Off-Broadway and London productions, reflecting his prowess as a storyteller both on stage and behind the scenes.

Austin Pendleton remains deeply embedded in the theater community—as a performer, educator at HB Studio, director, and playwright. His work in A Minister’s Wife underscores his ability to reinterpret classic narratives for contemporary audiences, blending literary sensitivity with creative innovation. Across both his personal projects and collaborations, Pendleton continues to shape American theatre with curiosity, skill, and integrity.