playwright

Born in the Bronx of New York City on November 13, 1914, William "Bill" Gibson was the son of George and Dore Gibson. Bill spent his childhood in New York City and later attended college there. When he graduated from City College, he moved to Kansas, where he met the lady who would become his wife, Margaret Brenman. They were married on September 6, 1940. They had two sons, Thomas and David.

​

Some of his early plays were produced in Topeka, Kansas, but his critical and popular success came when Two For the Seesaw opened on Broadway in 1958. Just a year later, The Miracle Worker opened on Broadway starring Patty Duke and Ann Bancroft. A few years later, he adapted the play for the screen where Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft reprised their roles as "Helen" and "Annie."

​

Other credits include: A Cry of Players, Golda's Balcony, The Butterfingers Angel, Monday After the Miracle, Goodly Creatures, and Handy Dandy. Book credits include: The Seesaw Log, A Mass for the Dead, Shakespeare's Game, and a book of poetry called, Winter Crook. In 2004, Golda's Balcony brought Gibson back to the New York Stage.

​

William Gibson died at his home in Stockbridge, Massachusetts on November 25, 2008. He was 94 years old.

​

William Gibson visit to Ivy Green. Click here to see the interview.