Michael Dinwiddie: Friends remember a playwright, professor, Black theater historian, and kind soul

When I got the call on July 4 that Michael Dinwiddie had passed away that morning from pancreatic cancer, I was devastated. Dinwiddie, 70, was an incredible person who I have known for many years. This NYU theater professor at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, playwright, composer, and a walking, smiling, laughing theater guru was always such a pleasure to be around.

- By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

One year, Michael, who was president of the Black Theatre Network (BTN), let me know how much he respected me as a Black theater critic and asked me to come to BTN's festival, taking place in Winston-Salem, N.C., that summer, to do a workshop about theater criticism, with expenses paid. I was thrilled to have someone acknowledge me in this way; that was the first time anyone had offered me such an experience.

That was an example of the kind of supportive, going-out-of-his-way person that Michael was. His legacy would have to include all the people whose lives he touched with his knowledge, his kindness, his joy. I used to be in awe as I watched him moderate many theater panels, held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Studies, about Broadway productions that featured Black actors.

Michael was such a well-spoken, humble, charming man. I will miss his larger-than-life presence at events and his genuine concern if you shared a problem.

I spoke to several people who felt blessed to know Michael and their thoughts follow.