09/25/2026
Today marks 10 years since we lost our beloved Bill Nunn III.🕊️
A legendary film, stage, and television actor, Bill was a proud Pittsburgh native who grew up in the Hill District and a Morehouse man. He was also the son of Bill Nunn Jr., a well-known Pittsburgh journalist and the first African American scout and recruiter in the NFL. Those of us who knew Bill remember how deeply he cared about young people and the opportunities they deserved.
Bill founded the Bill Nunn Theatre Outreach Project because he believed young people should have access to the arts, to mentorship, and to stories that help them understand who they are and where they come from. He wanted them to know the work of fellow Pittsburgh native August Wilson—and to discover the power of their own voices.
I think of Bill whenever I see a student step onto a stage with courage, speak words that mean something to them, and realize that their voice matters. Continuing the work he began is one way we honor him.
Today, we send love to Bill’s family and everyone who loved him. We miss his presence, his generosity, his humor, and his belief in our young people. His legacy lives on through them.
On November 12th, we will pay tribute to Bill at the AFRICANISM Gala. Today, we simply remember him with love.❤️
BILL NUNN III
October 20, 1952 – September 24, 2016
