Maya Angelou’s Bio
Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, memoirist and civil rights activist. During her lifetime, she published 7 autobiographies, which document her life, 3 books of essays and several books of poetry, which often explored themes of identity, race, and gender. She is also credited with a list of plays, movies and television shows spanning over 50 years. Her powerful and evocative writings have left an indelible mark on literature and society.
Maya Angelou Age
Born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, she passed away on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.
Maya Angelou Height and Weight
She stood at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighed around 68 kg.
Maya Angelou’s Family
Maya Angelou was the daughter of Bailey Johnson, a doorman and Vivian Baxter Johnson, a nurse. She had a brother named Bailey Johnson Jr. Her parents divorced when she was 3 years old and she was sent to live with her grandmother in Stamps, Arkansas.
Angelou had a difficult childhood. She was raped by her mother’s boyfriend at the age of 8, which led her to become selectively mute for several years. During this time, she communicated by writing and dancing. She eventually began to speak again, but she never forgot the ordeal.
Maya Angelou Education
Angelou attended several schools and universities, including California Labor School and George Washington High School. She studied dance and drama at San Francisco’s Labor School.
Angelou attended high school in San Francisco, California. She graduated in 1945 and then moved to New York City to pursue a dance career. She studied with Martha Graham and Pearl Primus, and she performed professionally in the calypso and cabaret styles.
Maya Angelou Relationship
Maya Angelou was married four times;
- The first was to Greek carpenter Tosh Angelos (1951-1954), with whom they had a son, Clyde ‘Guy’ Bailey Johnson
- The second was to South African activist Vusumzi Make (1961-1963)
- The third was Gerald Ford (1970-1973)
- The fourth was carpenter Paul du Feu (1974-1983)
Maya Angelou’s Career
Maya Angelou’s career was multifaceted, encompassing literature, poetry, acting, and civil rights activism. She is best known for her autobiographical works that explore themes of identity, race, and womanhood.
She however began her career as a dancer and singer, performing in clubs and on Broadway, and she even recorded a few albums. In the 1960s, she began writing her autobiographies, which were met with critical acclaim. Her first and most famous work was her autobiography, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings“, which was published in 1969 and became a bestseller. Angelou went on to publish six more autobiographies, all of which were well-received.
She was also a prolific poet, with her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” being recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993.
Angelou was also a civil rights activist working alongside prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She was a vocal advocate for the rights of African Americans. She was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and a strong supporter of the Black Panther Party.
In addition, she was an accomplished actress, appearing in films, plays, and television shows including; “Roots” (1977) and “Poetic Justice” (1993).
Maya Angelou’s Books
Angelou authored numerous books, including:
- “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969)
- “Gather Together in My Name” (1974)
- “Singin’ and Swingin’ and Gettin’ Merry Like Christmas” (1976)
- “The Heart of a Woman” (1981)
- “Mom & Me & Mom” (2013)
Maya Angelou Awards
Angelou received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. These prestigious awards include:
- Tony Award nomination for her role in “Look Away” (1973)
- Three Grammy Awards for her spoken-word albums (1993, 1995, and 2002)
- Spingarn Medal by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (1994)
- National Medal of Arts (2000)
- Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama (2011)
- She was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and the Royal Society of Literature
Maya Angelou Interesting Facts
- She was also a skilled dancer and performed in several Broadway shows.
- She was the first African American woman to have her work published by Random House
- She was the first female black director in Hollywood
- Her poetry and writings often explore themes of resilience, hope, and the human spirit
- She was a licensed pilot
- She was fluent in several languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian and Arabic
- She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority
- She was the subject of a 2016 biopic, titled “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise”
Maya Angelou’s Net Worth
Maya Angelou’s net worth was estimated to be $30 million at the time of her death. She earned her wealth from her writing, speaking engagements and acting career. She was also a successful entrepreneur and owned several businesses, including a production company, a record label, a restaurant and a travel agency.
Maya Angelou’s Legacy
Maya Angelou was a groundbreaking figure in American literature and culture. She was a pioneer in the field of autobiography, and her work helped to break down barriers for women and African Americans. She was also a powerful voice for social justice, and her work continues to inspire people around the world.
Her legacy is characterized by her profound influence on literature, civil rights advocacy, and her ability to touch the hearts of readers with her words. Her works continue to be celebrated and studied for their timeless messages of empowerment and social justice. Her life and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to generations.
