Maya Angelou is a celebrated author, poet and civil rights activist who is remembered and respected around the world. Despite her fame and acclaim, many people struggle to answer the question: How old was Maya Angelou? The answer is that Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in 1928 in St Louis, Missouri. Angelou celebrated her 86th birthday in 2014, making her 86 years old at the time of her death in 2014.
Angelou was a prolific writer throughout her lifetime, producing an incredible array of work, including autobiographies and poetry. She wrote seven autobiographies in total, covering various aspects of her life up until age 50 and ending in 1969. Her autobiographical works are arguably her most noted pieces of writing, with her 1969 autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings receiving a great deal of acclaim from critics and readers alike.
In addition to her autobiography, Angelou also wrote nine books of poetry, and is remembered for her inspirational reads such as A Brave and Startling Truth and Phenomenal Woman. Angelou proved to be an incredibly influential figure throughout her life, providing a unique perspective on life, love and the human condition which many connected with.
Angelou was also an acclaimed television and movie actor, appearing in the 1976 miniseries A Woman Called Moses as well as such films as How to Make an American Quilt, Poetic Justice and Madea’s Family Reunion. Angelou’s media presence extended to wider popular culture as well, with many of her iconic quotes and poems being featured in various TV shows, films and other media works.
Angelou’s life was not without its struggles and difficulties, which she wrote openly about in her works. Even so, she was able to overcome the obstacles she faced and use her experiences to inspire and motivate others. She was particularly outspoken against racism and the civil rights movement and often used her writing to communicate her beliefs on these issues.
At the time of her death in 2014, Maya Angelou was 86 years old. Her memory lives on through her books, her poems and her activism, offering an icon of strength, warmth and hope.
Her Early Life and Career
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson in St Louis, Missouri in 1928. She moved several times during her childhood with her brother and grandmother, eventually settling in San Francisco in the 1940s. Her love of writing began as a young girl, and by the age of 16 she had dropped out of high school and become the city’s first female African-American streetcar conductor.
In 1951, after having her first son, Angelou made her way to New York city to try and establish a career as an entertainer, eventually landing a role in the production Calypso Heat Wave. During this time she also performed in touring opera companies, establishing a name for herself as a performer. In 1954, Angelou released her first album, Miss Calypso, which she followed up with an attempt at musical stardom, earning her a Grammy for her spoken word album, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
In the early 1960s Angelou moved to Cairo, Egypt to work at the University of Ghana. She spent the next decade living in Cairo and then in Ghana, working as an editor, producer, dancer and professor. It was during this period that she wrote her first autobiographical work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which was published in 1969, making Angelou one of the first African-American female poets to be published.
After returning to the US, Angelou was appointed to the role of professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a position she held until her death in 2014. Throughout her life, she wrote several famous works, including her series of autobiographical books, and produced television shows, movies and theatre performances.
Her Activism and Legacy
Maya Angelou was an outspoken civil rights activist throughout her lifetime. She was heavily involved in the civil rights movement, working closely with figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. In 1969 she became the first African-American female director of a major motion picture when she directed and produced the movie Georgia, Georgia. In this role, she was seen as a pioneer for women and black filmmakers globally.
Angelou was also a political activist, vehemently opposing apartheid and fighting for what she thought was right. In 1968, she wrote the popular poem “The Ballad of Birmingham,” which dealt with the tragedy of the Birmingham church bombing and its effect on the civil rights movement.
In addition to her activism, Angelou was also an acclaimed poet, writing nine books of poetry throughout her lifetime, including her famous works A Brave and Startling Truth and Phenomenal Woman. Her work has been described as inspirational and uplifting, with many of her most famous phrases and quotes becoming common catchphrases throughout popular culture.
Angelou left a lasting legacy, leaving her prose, poetry and advocacy an inspiration to many. She died at the age of 86 on May 28, 2014 after having celebrated her 86th birthday in April that same year.
Her Awards and Accolades
Maya Angelou was an acclaimed writer and civil rights activist, and was honored with several awards throughout her lifetime. In 1971, she received the Golden Eagle Award for best documentary for her film, Georgia, Georgia, becoming the first African-American female director of a major motion picture.
In 2000, the Pulitzer Prize board also awarded Angelou with a special citation, describing her work as “a lyrical discourse of black life that protects innocence and childhood with a further study of racism, sexism and identity.” Other awards given to Angelou include the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton in 2000, and the Lincoln Medal, created to honor those who have demonstrated “outstanding character and achievement.”
Angelou was also honored in a variety of other ways throughout her lifetime. In 1982, she was appointed professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University and was awarded more than 50 honorary degrees from institutions around the world. Several renowned figures have also paid tribute to her memory, including Oprah Winfrey, who honored Angelou with a documentary entitled Remembering Maya in 2014.
Her Literary Contribution
Maya Angelou was highly regarded not only for her activism and her personal contributions, but also for her works of literature. Her writing is known for being remarkable and inspirational, focusing on various aspects of racism, sexism and identity, while maintaining an uplifting and hopeful tone.
Angelou wrote seven autobiographies, her first and best known work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, being published in 1969 and becoming a bestseller in the US, UK and Canada. She also wrote nine books of poetry and produced several plays and films, in addition to a range of essays and books for children.
Beyond her own works, Angelou was an inspiration to millions across the world. She was an advocate for African-Americans, women and the LGBT community, as well as a titan of literary, with many iconic phrases becoming a part of popular culture. Even today, her work continues to be a source of empowerment, motivation, and hope.
Her Influence and Impact
Maya Angelou was an extraordinary individual, not only achieving global literary stature and perfection, but also inspiring millions with her remarkable spirit. She was a source of strength and hope to countless people, providing an immense sense of empowerment while advocating for civil rights and encouraging proactive social change.
Angelou’s inspirational messages, memorable words and unforgettable spirit made her a highly influential figure in her own lifetime and for years to come. Her legacy continues to echo around the world, inspiring generations of dreamers, activists, and poets.
The Maya Angelou Legacy Center was established in 2019 to continue her legacy and celebrate her life. The center host events and thoughtful course curricula, encouraging visitors to explore her works and appreciate her body of work and ideals.
Angelou’s books continue to be cherished classics, with many iconic moments appearing in films and TV shows. Her work and activism has had a profound impact on many people, galvanising them to fight for social justice and engage with the issues surrounding civil rights and race.
Her Death
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28th, 2014 at the age of 86. Her death was confirmed by her son Guy Johnson, who said in a statement that she “passed quietly in her home before 8:00 a.m”. The announcement of Angelou’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from around the world, with many celebrities, politicians and civil rights leaders paying tribute to her life.
A memorial service was held in her honor on June 7, 2014 at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. The service was attended by thousands of people and featured performances from Jill Scott, Aloe Blacc and others, as well as a moving eulogy from Oprah Winfrey.
At the time of her death, Maya Angelou had written seven autobiographies and nine collections of poetry. Her work, activism, and lasting legacy has inspired countless people around the world, and her memory will live on forever.
