Brian Yorkey

Brian Yorkey
Brian Yorkey | Source: Pinterest
Birthday:
October 23, 1970
Birth Sign:
Scorpio
Birthplace:
Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Who is Brian Yorkey?

Brian Yorkey is a renowned American playwright, lyricist, librettist, screenwriter, and theater director. He gained national fame for co-creating the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal, which also earned him a Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations in 2009.

Yorkey is also known for co-creating and executive-producing the hit Netflix drama 13 Reasons Why, adapted from Jay Asher’s bestselling novel.


Family and Ethnicity

Yorkey was raised in Omaha before relocating to Issaquah, Washington, where he later began his career in theatre.

He remains private about his family and has not disclosed information about his parents or siblings publicly.

Education Background

  • Columbia University graduate
  • Served as Artistic Director of the Varsity Show at Columbia
  • Alumnus of BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop

His formal education laid the foundation for his career in musical theatre and narrative drama.


Career Highlights

Theatre Career

  • Next to Normal (2008): Co-created with Tom Kitt.
    • Won Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2010)
    • Won Tony Awards (2009) for Best Score & Orchestrations
    • Nominated for 11 Tony Awards total
  • Other works include:
    • Funny Pages (1993)
    • Making Tracks (2002)
    • The Wedding Banquet (2003)
    • Play It by Heart (2005)
    • Jesus in My Bedroom (Festival of New Musicals)
  • Yorkey was also Associate Artistic Director at Village Theatre, where he founded the KidStage Company, a teen-focused musical theatre program.

Television Career

  • 13 Reasons Why (Netflix):
    • Executive Producer and screenwriter
    • Adapted from Jay Asher’s novel
    • Sparked massive cultural impact, critical debates, and viewership worldwide

Awards and Recognition

  • Pulitzer Prize for Drama (2010)
  • Tony Award for Best Original Score
  • Tony Award for Best Orchestrations

Controversy: 13 Reasons Why

Brian Yorkey faced public and media backlash for the controversial content of 13 Reasons Why, especially the depictions of suicide, bullying, and sexual assault. Critics argued the show might glorify or trigger mental health struggles.

Yorkey defended the series, claiming the intention was to raise awareness and start difficult but necessary conversations among teens and parents.


FAQs About Brian Yorkey

1. What is Brian Yorkey best known for?
Brian Yorkey is best known for co-creating the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal and Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why.

2. Has Brian Yorkey won any major awards?
Yes. He has won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and multiple Tony Awards.

3. What is his role in 13 Reasons Why?
He served as creator, writer, and executive producer of the Netflix series.

4. Is Brian Yorkey married?
He is a private person and has not publicly disclosed details about his personal relationships or marital status.

5. Where did Brian Yorkey go to college?
He graduated from Columbia University and also trained at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

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