Barry Scott
Nashville’s theater community lost a big, brilliant voice this week — both literally and figuratively.
William Barry Scott — the veteran actor, writer, producer, director, motivational speaker and voice-over artist — died Thursday at the age of 65.
The Nashville native was the founder and producing artistic director of the American Negro Playwright Theatre at Tennessee State University, the same institution from which he, his parents and grandparents graduated. He took on many iconic roles locally — including works from Shakespeare, August Wilson and more — though his résumé also includes plenty of regional stage, film and television credits. He was an accomplished writer with a number of scripts to his name, including Ain’t Got Long to Stay Here, a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that Scott performed extensively throughout the nation. And his rich, velvety voice could be heard on countless commercials and promotions — from spots for ESPN, the NFL and the NBA to work with the Nashville Symphony.
But beyond his considerable creative endeavors, Scott remained focused on the needs of his community. Under his leadership, ANPT consistently churned out ambitious and relevant work. And he took particular joy in having legendary black theater artists such as Robert Guillaume and Woodie King Jr., come to Nashville to direct various productions.
“It’s just such a tremendous loss — we’ve lost one of our elders,” says Jon Royal, who grew up admiring Scott’s work onstage. Royal later had the opportunity to work with him when he assistant directed The Piano Lesson under Woodie King Jr. at what was then known as Tennessee Repertory Theatre.
“As as young Black artist, I looked up to Barry," Royal says. "I wanted to be him. So to sit there running lines with him, watching him do the work — it was amazing. It’s hard to express just how important ANPT was for this community. For Black artists to have that kind of training ground was everything. He was instrumental in the development of so many important local artists.”
One of those artists is Tamiko Robinson Steele, who first encountered Scott as a student at TSU and would go on to work with him on many projects, including the engrossing one-woman show Miracle in Rwanda.
“Barry literally changed the trajectory of my life,” Steele says. “I went to TSU as a computer science major. But I went to see a show at the new performing arts center, which had just opened on campus. Barry was directing In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks, and I was just blown away. I changed my major the next day. I feel so fortunate to have trained and performed with such a brilliant being. He challenged and stretched me not only as an actor, but also as a person.”
Offstage, Scott was widely known for his incredible warmth and generosity. No matter how busy he might be, there was always time to connect with former students and colleagues. And he constantly looked for ways to provide meaningful support — whether it was simply sharing a bit of encouragement or offering a free weeklong audition intensive for young artists.
“It was always about community for Barry,” Steele says. “He had such unabashed love for Nashville, and was such a positive influence for so many of us. My heart breaks to think that we’ll no longer be able to experience the brilliance of his artistry and humanity. But I’m so grateful for his love and friendship, and all that he taught me along the way.”
