Nathan Louis Jackson, writer and producer of TV shows Luke Cage, S.W.A.T., 13 Reasons Why and Shameless, died on August 22 according to his family. While his cause of death is still unknown, his wife told the New York Times that Jackson had had recent cardiac problems, including an aortic dissection and an aortic aneurysm.
As an award-winning playwright, Jackson earned numerous awards, and his works included his debut play, Broke-ology and When I Come to Die.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, the screenwriter was passionate about his hometown. He attended Washington High School, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas State University and The Juilliard School, where he received his MFA in Playwriting.
In a statement to Playbill, his family shared, “Jackson’s work often showcased his love for his hometown. Having lived and worked on both coasts, Nathan’s heart belonged in Kansas City. Nathan was especially passionate about bar-b-que and his Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson was a devoted supporter of the arts community within Kansas City.”
“Jackson will be remembered by his loved ones for his warmth and kindness, and his phone calls. He did not believe in text messaging, preferring to speak voice to voice whenever possible.”
Jackson received multiple awards for his writing, including two Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Awards, the Kennedy Center’s Gold Medallion and the Mark Twain Comedy Playwriting Award for his stage work, which also included The Last Black Play, The Mancherios, Sticky Traps, Brother Toad and When I Come to Die, which played off-Broadway in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Megan, his mother Bessie, his children, Amaya and Savion, his sister Ebony Maddox, and his brother Wardell.