William Young (playwright)

William Young (1847 – October 2, 1920) was an American playwright, writer, and actor, best known for his play adaptation of Ben-Hur in 1899.

Young was born in Indiana in 1847, went to college in Illinois, and then studied law before turning to writing. His first play Jonquil opened at Booth's Theatre in New York in 1871. His first play to receive significant attention was Pendragon in 1881. His 1883 comedy The Rajah was panned by critics but commercially successful, playing for 256 shows in New York before going on the road.

He also acted some roles, and published a number of poems, including a volume titled Wishmaker's Town in 1885 which was republished in 1898 with an introduction by Thomas Bailey Aldrich.

Young died at Burkhaven, Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire on October 2, 1920.

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