Professor Jonathan Wilson Passes Away Suddenly

Submitted by Leroi Johnson

It is with great sadness that Professor Jonathan Wilson passed suddenly Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Professor Jonathan Wilson, born in Buffalo, New York, is survived by his two brothers, Dennis Wilson, Sr. and Andrew (Pokie) Mills, along with many relatives and friends. His passion for theater began in 1967 at Rosary Hill College and continued at the African Cultural Center while he attended Daemen College.

Wilson’s teaching career started at Loyola University Chicago from 1976- 2023, where he became a distinguished professor of theater and drama, contributing over 45 years to both academic and professional theater. He held degrees from Daemen College, the University of Cincinnati, and Northwestern University.

He directed numerous productions across the U.S., including at prominent Chicago theaters like Goodman and Steppenwolf. He won a Jeff Award in 2006 for “Two Trains Running” at Pegasus Players.

Wilson directed 45 student productions and chaired Loyola’s theater department for 10 years. His productions of August Wilson’s plays were acclaimed, and he assisted Oprah Winfrey in preparing for her role in “Beloved.”