Facts collected by Tatyana Scandrick from Lennoxmag.com.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Willie Dirden |
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1945 |
| Probable Hometown | Houston, Texas |
| Primary Medium | Regional theater, film |
| Notable Films | Arlington Road (1999), The Rookie (2002), The Stairwell (2002) |
| Spouse | Deborah Leal (artist and former teacher) |
| Children | Brandon J. Dirden, Jason Dirden |
Early Life
From September 15, 1945, Willie Dirden was likely raised in Houston, Texas, where his family was deeply involved in the performing arts. His early years were affected by his wife Deborah Leal’s education and art and Houston’s vibrant theater scene.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | September 15, 1945 |
| Childhood Location | Houston, Texas (inferred from family ties) |
| Family Influence | Deborah Leal taught at MacGregor Elementary and Texas Southern University in Houston |
| Early Exposure | Immersion in local theater through family connections and community arts programming |
Career Overview
Dirden excelled in provincial theater for decades, playing tough roles in classic and current tragedies. He played supporting roles in various Hollywood films in addition to theater work, demonstrating his flexibility.
| Medium | Selected Works & Roles |
|---|---|
| Stage | Cementville (Kid Cayman), Lilies of the Field (Homer Smith), Waiting for Godot (Pozzo) |
| Of Mice and Men (Crooks), Jitney (Becker), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Cutler) | |
| Two Trains Running (West), The Fantasticks (The Indian), The Manchurian Candidate | |
| Film | Arlington Road (FBI Guard #2, 1999), The Rookie (Locker Room Attendant, 2002) |
| The Stairwell (2002) | |
| Theatre Residency | Ensemble Theatre, Houston – principal company member with multiple seasons of performances |
Net Worth Analysis
There are no published financial records or projections for Willie Dirden. His adherence to regional theater and film character roles offers a steady but modest income for actors who prefer stage to blockbuster.
| Category | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Public Records | No disclosed net worth figures |
| Income Sources | Regional theater salaries, occasional film stipends |
| Likely Financial Status | Modest—comparable to actors with extensive regional credits and limited mainstream roles |
| Comparison | Typical earnings for seasoned regional theater performers rather than high-profile stars |
Family Legacy
Multiple generations of Dirden singers, educators, and visual artists have contributed to Houston and beyond. Willie’s wife and boys continue the family’s theatrical and film influence.
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Deborah Leal | Wife | Artist; former teacher at MacGregor Elementary and Texas Southern University |
| Brandon J. Dirden | Son | Broadway star (All the Way as MLK Jr.), OBIE Award winner for The Piano Lesson |
| Jason Dirden | Son | TV roles in Greenleaf and American Soul; stage collaborations with brother Brandon |
| Crystal A. Dickinson | Daughter-in-Law | Theatre World Award for Clybourne Park; co-starred in A Raisin in the Sun |
| Anika Noni Rose | Daughter-in-Law | Film Dreamgirls (2006); voice of Princess Tiana in The Princess and the Frog |
FAQ
Who is Willie Dirden?
Willie Dirden is an American actor born in 1945, best known for his extensive work in regional theater and supporting roles in films like Arlington Road and The Rookie.
What theater roles is he known for?
He has performed leading roles in Cementville, Waiting for Godot, Of Mice and Men, Jitney, and numerous other acclaimed stage productions.
What films has he appeared in?
Dirden’s film credits include Arlington Road (1999), The Rookie (2002), and The Stairwell (2002), typically in supporting character roles.
Is his net worth publicly known?
No public records exist, although his regional theater career suggests a small financial worth.
Who are his children?
His sons are Brandon J. Dirden, a Tony-nominated Broadway actor, and Jason Dirden, known for his work on television series such as Greenleaf.
