Charles Gordone

Charles Edward Gordone (October 12, 1925 – November 16, 1995) was an American playwright, actor, director, and educator. He was the first African American to win the annual Pulitzer Prize for Drama and he devoted much of his professional life to the pursuit of multi-racial American theater and racial unity. Biography Early years Charles Edward Fleming was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Charles and Camille Fleming (née Morgan), of African, Native American, and European heritage. He grew up in Elkhart, Indiana, with two brothers, Jack and Stanley, and a sister, Shirley. He attended Elkhart High School. Camille Fleming later remarried William L. Gordon and the couple had a daughter, Leah Geraldine. In his 20s, Gordone served in the Air Force, and was discharged at the rank of second lieutenant. After his career in the Air Force, Gordone moved to California, where he married his first wife Juanita Barton in 1948. Together they had two children, Stephen Gordone and Judy Ann Riser. The couple later parted ways and Barton ensconced himself in theater at Los Angeles City College and California State University, Los Angeles. He then moved to New York City, where he waited tables and pursued an acting career.